Cowlitz County commissioners direct staff to pursue animal-control facility options

Savannah Clement, public services manager, told the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners that the county opted not to renew its contract with the Humane Society and the sheriff's office is resuming animal-control responsibilities. Clement asked the board to add an upfit for an animal-control facility to the county's facilities plan and to authorize staff to develop cost estimates for two options: retrofit an existing county building or purchase commercial modular kennel units.

Clement said adding sewer to the retrofit site is one of the larger unknowns, and that the city of Longview has offered to help identify sewer routing and possible ways to expedite the work. Facilities has assigned project manager Brian Shaw to evaluate the existing building and compare retrofit costs with off-the-shelf modular units. Shaw told commissioners a conservative count showed at least 11 kennels could fit in the currently considered footprint and that expanding into more of the building could yield roughly 20 kennels.

Commissioners discussed regional partnerships if nearby cities opt to continue contracts with humane-society providers. Facilities staff said early conversations with Kelso indicated partners could negotiate per-animal daily fees and share some up-front and ongoing costs, but nothing has been finalized. Clement said staff will produce revised cost estimates for both options, and the county could consider moving existing funds from professional services to a maintenance line if needed.

At the close of the item the board signaled support to proceed with cost development. "Go for it," a commissioner said, directing staff to return with numbers and recommendations. The board did not take a formal vote during the meeting; staff will present detailed estimates and funding options at a future session.