NEW CUMBERLAND — Hancock County commissioners took the next step Thursday in transitioning operations of the county’s animal shelter to the Jefferson County Humane Society.

As part of their regular meeting, commissioners unanimously approved a lease and operating agreement with the JCHS for the Hancock County Animal Shelter. Commissioners approved the Ohio-based nonprofit’s bid Oct. 9.

“The first contract is an eight-month agreement,” Commission President Eron Chek explained, announcing there are plans to sign the contract Oct. 31, at a time to be determined.

Such a term would take the contract through the end of June, and the commission’s current fiscal year. There is no automatic renewal of the agreement, so future negotiations would be needed.

Commissioners opted in July to begin a

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