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Hancock County signs contract transferring animal shelter operations to Jefferson County Humane Society
Summary
The Hancock County Commission welcomed Jefferson County Humane Society representatives and signed a contract making them the new operators of the Hancock County Animal Shelter, with operations to begin the next morning; the transfer was formalized at the Nov. 13 meeting. Commissioners praised the incoming operators’ reputation.
The Hancock County Commission on Nov. 13 formally transferred operation of the county animal shelter to the Jefferson County Humane Society and signed a contract that makes the society the shelter’s new operator effective the morning after the meeting. County Clerk Karen Valente joined the signing at the courthouse counter.
The transfer was introduced during closing remarks when the commission welcomed Sally and Laurieann from the Jefferson County Humane Society. An unidentified commissioner told the visitors, “We know you have an impeccable reputation throughout the whole valley,” and welcomed the group as partners in local animal care. Sally said the organization was “very excited to come in and help,” and Laurieann, the shelter manager, said, “We’re very excited to take this on.”
Commission staff supplied copies of the contract for the commission and for the humane society. The commission president said the contract becomes effective upon signing and confirmed the society would begin operations the following morning. Sally signed the contract and Laurieann attested; Karen Valente signed on behalf of the county.
Commissioners noted the shelter partnership follows prior coordination with local animal-care stakeholders. Earlier in the meeting the commission had discussed possible uses for the nearby county-owned building at 689 Gas Valley Road and recommended consulting the local humane society and Jefferson County Humane Society about any repurposing.
The meeting record shows the action was consummated by formal contract signature and public welcome; no separate recorded vote count was provided in the meeting transcript aside from voice approval on agenda items earlier in the meeting. The commission indicated handshakes and formal signatures would conclude the transfer.
The county will hold copies of the signed contract and the Jefferson County Humane Society will assume operational responsibility as stated in the agreement.
