NEW CUMBERLAND — The Hancock County commissioners are looking into options for the future use of one county-owned building on Gas Valley Road.

The agenda for Thursday’s county commission meeting included the consideration of use of 689 Gas Valley Road.

Commission President Eron Chek noted she had the item placed on the agenda, adding she didn’t feel any action was needed immediately but felt some discussion should be held.

“It used to be used by the Parks and Rec Board,” she said.

Initially, Chek explained she hoped to be able to reach out to county residents for input on a future use of the building, but Commissioner Tommy Ogden, noting the Parks building is located next to the Hancock County Animal Shelter, said he feels the Jefferson County Humane Society should have a right of first refusal.

“They might need more room to better take care of the animals,” Ogden said.

The Wintersville-based Jefferson County Humane Society has had managerial oversight of the Hancock County Animal Shelter since Nov. 1, following approval of a bid and contract by the commissioners.

Commissioner Paul Cowey agreed with the idea of approaching the Humane Society first before seeking other ideas.

Chek did say she, too, had considered the building could be an extension of the animal shelter, as well as a type of “shelter shop,” offering pet supplies for purchase to help support the animal shelter.

She noted the humane society, since taking over management of the shelter, has brought in its own veterinarian with plans to establish a space for medical services inside the existing animal shelter building, but that perhaps, the Parks building could be used for such a purpose.

The commissioners agreed to speak with representatives of the humane society before pursuing other options.

In related business, commissioners approved vacation and personal day payouts for Clara McIntosh (35 hours at $397.95); Hope Sayre (173.1 hours at $3,387.57); Tanner Smith (10.5 hours at $115.50); and Caylee Stewart (17.5 hours at $461.48).

Cowey noted the employees all work at the animal shelter and will be moving under the umbrella of the Jefferson County Humane Society.

“We really appreciate these employees who worked for us,” he said.

Commissioners also:

• Awarded a bid for audit services for fiscal 2025 to David L. Howell CPAs;

• Agreed to pursue a public nuisance claim and dismiss remaining claims in Pharmacy Benefit Manages litigation;

• Approved an updated payment in lieu of taxes agreement with Current Hydro;

• Appointed Timothy E. McFadden to the Northern Panhandle Community Criminal Justice Board;

• Approved an updated floodplain fee schedule, which removes fees for single-family homes;

• Agreed to a deviation from the statutory executor fee for the estate of Beverly J. Walker;

• Approved the hiring of Brandon Slusarek as systems and network administrator for Hancock County 911 and county government, effective Monday;

• Approved revised bylaws for the Hancock County Local Emergency Planning Committee.