An animal control ad hoc committee of the Bradley County Commission has recommended that the full commission approve a contract with the SPCA to operate an animal care facility for the county.
The vote was unanimous by Vice Chairman Adam Lowe and council members Charlotte Peak-Jones, Mark Hall and Ed Elkins. Bill Winters was absent.
The matter will be discussed at the commission meeting next Monday.
Another local non-profit group had also put in a bid.
County Mayor D. Gary Davis said he agrees that a center headed "by people who really care about animals" will work best for the county.
He said the operation of the Cleveland Animal Center "is basically by the police department," and he said animal lovers will be "better fitted to operate the center."
The county is currently in a six-month contract with the Cleveland Animal Center. County Mayor Davis said he hopes the new operation is in place with the city pact expires.
The county is offering the former sheriff's department garage off Johnson Boulevard for the facility. Cost of remodeling the facility is estimated at $40,000, but it is subject to being bid.
Cost of the annual contract with the SPCA is $80,000 from the county.