The BOCC made its announcement during a press conference on the grounds where the new shelter will be built at 5055 Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick. (Photo courtesy Calvert Co. Gov.)PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (May 18, 2016)—The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on Tuesday announced plans to build a new animal shelter in Calvert County. The BOCC will enter into a public/private partnership with Marrick Properties to lease the new county facility with an option to purchase it at a later date.
The BOCC made its announcement during a press conference on the grounds where the new shelter will be built at 5055 Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick. The shelter will be between 8,000 and 14,000 square feet and will employ up to 10 full-time positions, including a volunteer coordinator and manager.
Upon completion, Calvert County will end its current investment in the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville and will not be involved in plans for a new or expanded regional shelter. This decision comes after several meetings with regional leadership and project planners revealed that an upgrade and expansion of the current regional facility would require Calvert County to fund 25 percent of the projected capital improvement costs as part of the existing Tri-County Animal Shelter agreement. Currently, Calvert County contributes approximately $200,000 a year to Tri-County Animal Shelter operations.
"There are uncertain future costs to Calvert County taxpayers if we continue to participate in the funding of the existing, or a newly constructed, Tri-County Animal Shelter." explained BOCC President Evan Slaughenhoupt Jr. "Based on preliminary findings, the board believes investing in a new facility to serve Calvert County residents will allow for greater operational controls and will also ensure the safe and humane treatment of all animals. We will go through a careful, deliberate process moving forward."
The new Calvert County animal shelter cost projections do not impact the FY17 proposed budget. County staff continues to research how it will incorporate this new service into the current government structure for a targeted FY18 opening. The new facility will house Calvert County Animal Control officers who report to the Calvert County Sheriff's Office.
The new Calvert County animal shelter will save all healthy and treatable animals, even when the shelter is full. Only terminally ill animals or those considered dangerous to public safety will be euthanized. Staff will be required to work with veterinarians to make this determination.