The sheriff's office asked the board to extend the existing contract with the Humane Society of Southwest Washington for two months while the county and participating cities finalize a successor agreement.

A representative said the extension would maintain the status quo until Feb. 28 or until a new agreement is reached, and that the proposed successor is being negotiated with Longview and other cities (one city opted out). The sheriff noted heavy intake volumes at the shelter, particularly cats and kittens: "I think that's close to 650 of the animals out of the 945 they brought in were actually cats," the sheriff's representative said, describing a large share of intakes that are citizen drop-offs rather than animal-control impounds.

The extension is intended to provide continuity while staff and the cities finalize terms; the sheriff's office indicated the partner cities and county would collectively sign off on the proposed successor and discussed the prospect of a three-year agreement with increased costs. Commissioners asked whether the cities were on board; the sheriff replied that, aside from the city that withdrew, the others were expected to participate.

The board did not record a formal vote on the extension during the briefing; staff said the contract extension would appear on the agenda for the next day's board meeting.