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Washington County staff seek board support to explore capital campaign for Bonnie Hayes shelter
Summary
Washington County staff presented a facility needs assessment and fundraising feasibility for the Bonnie Hayes Small Animal Shelter, citing a concept cost estimate of about $77.6 million. The board signaled support to explore recommendations and to use donated funds to hire short-term campaign staff; staff will return in Q1 with a plan and no general-fund request.
Washington County health and human services staff on Thursday asked the Board of Commissioners for permission to pursue fundraising and planning work toward a new Bonnie Hayes Small Animal Shelter.
Randy Covey, manager of Washington County Animal Services, summarized audits and consultant work that found the current 30‑year‑old facility inadequate. He said the shelter is limited to 26 cats and 48 dogs and is subject to a two‑week maximum holding period imposed after the auditor’s review, a constraint that has effectively curtailed in‑house adoptions.
"The estimate for a new shed is $77,600,000. That's a lot of money," Covey said, adding that the figure includes land (about five acres), design contingencies and a $15 million contingency for inflation and timing.
Covey described a concept…
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