Lane County approves sale of Florence property to Oregon Coast Humane Society for $500

The Lane County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve Order 25120206, conveying 8.66 acres of county-owned land near the waste management facility in Florence to the Oregon Coast Humane Society for $500 and delegating authority to the county administrator to sign conveyance documents.

Kelly Hancock, the county's property management officer, introduced Elizabeth Thompson, the humane society's executive director, who outlined the organization's mission, current services and plans for expansion if the purchase is finalized. Thompson said the organization operates a range of community programs — including a pet food bank, spay/neuter services, a senior pet program and emergency medical vouchers — and has purchased a separate veterinary clinic this year to increase surgical capacity while the shelter remodel is planned.

Thompson described facility needs at the current shelter (built in 1996) and said the planned improvements at a county property would create ADA-compliant public spaces, increased quarantine and medical capacity, separate HVAC systems for species, expanded kennels and educational facilities for youth volunteers. She said the organization had seen surges in need — including hundreds of clinic visits and increased surrenders — and argued that owning the property would allow substantial, site-specific improvements.

The motion to approve the sale was moved and seconded by commissioners; the board called the vote and the motion passed 5-0.

The resolution that passed delegates execution of conveyance documents to the county administrator and does not alter any other contract terms; Elizabeth Thompson said she would return to the board with updates about the planned capital improvements.