Hancock County Commission approves fire department lease‑purchase, eight‑month animal‑shelter agreement and courthouse grant

Hancock County commissioners on Thursday, Oct. 23 approved a number of routine and programmatic measures, including authorization for the New Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department to enter a lease‑purchase agreement, an eight‑month lease and operating agreement with the Jefferson County Humane Society to operate the Hancock County animal shelter, and a resolution to enter a grant agreement with the West Virginia Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority.

The actions were taken during the county commission’s regular meeting at 2:30 p.m. The commission also approved personnel and administrative items including making Tom Volberg a part‑time assistant maintenance technician (effective Nov. 1), advertising for a deputy assessor position, acceptance of the animal shelter’s September intake/out report and approval of routine monthly financial reports and county bills.

Why it matters: The fire department lease‑purchase and the animal‑shelter operating agreement represent near‑term operational and capital steps for county services. The courthouse grant resolution positions the county to receive state program funds for courthouse improvements if the grant application and subsequent administration proceed.

What the commission approved - New Cumberland Volunteer Fire…