On a 2-1 vote (Chek voting no), the Hancock County Commission approved advertising for proposals from non-profit organizations to operate and manage the animal shelter. Prior to the placing the operation of the shelter under the County with the administrator and the animal shelter staff employees of the County, the shelter was operated by a non-profit.
Facing budget constraints, the Commissioners state that the non-profit selected will have access to the funds budgeted for the Shelter in the Commissioners budget plus will have the advantage of being able to fundraise, pursue grants and pursue other means of raising funds.
The RFP states that the Commission and the non-profit shall operate under a MOA (memorandum of understanding) administered through the Commission office. Management shall also enter a lease with the Commission and/or Management to use the Hancock County Animal Shelter Facility and its contents until or unless the Commission and/or Management are able to build a new facility to house the animals. The Commission and Management will review, update and execute both the MOU and the lease annually in advance of the budget cycle.
A pre-bid meeting will be held August 8, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at the Shelter (715 Gas Valley Rd. New Cumberland). Post-meeting questions are due August 11, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Those questions should be submitted in writing to Ira Aracich, finance administrator, or e-mailed to iaracich@hancockwv.org.
Proposals are due August 14,2025. The ad notes that late proposals will be rejected.
