A volunteer group that responded to Macon County’s request for proposals to operate the county animal shelter presented a detailed plan to the Board of Commissioners Thursday and said it can raise private funds to renovate the facility and expand staffing.

Meg Kramer, representing Positive Shelter Volunteers, told commissioners the group has been working alongside shelter staff as volunteers and has secured a $15,000 spay/neuter grant already. Kramer said the nonprofit would pursue additional foundation grants and donations to fund kennel repairs, play yards and other improvements and would operate the shelter as a 501(c)(3) while seeking a collaborative relationship with the county.

Kramer asked that the county move animal control under the sheriff’s office, saying the change would give deputies and animal control officers clearer legal backing and operational support. She said Officer Fosler — a current volunteer and animal-control officer — has offered to oversee animal control under the sheriff’s department and that a dedicated, secured wing of the shelter should be designated for animal-control use.

Kramer also asked the county to consider transitional benefits for two shelter employees who might remain through a handover (she mentioned exploring COBRA or other short‑term coverage during the transition) and said the group would work to secure grants and vendors to reduce operating costs. She presented tentative January 1 as an optimistic start date but county staff said a 90‑day minimum window would be more realistic to draft a contract, transfer operations and arrange funding and benefits.

Sheriff Holbrooks and several commissioners expressed support for returning animal control to the sheriff’s department. Commissioner Braden (who said he had received calls) and other board members said they would like to meet with staff and the sheriff to consider logistics and legal implications. County Manager Cabe said county liaisons would meet with Positive Shelter and Sheriff Holbrooks to iron out questions and the board indicated interest in pursuing negotiations but did not make a binding commitment at the meeting.

Kramer said the nonprofit has tentatively selected the name Heart of the Mountains Adoption and Rescue and provided the board with written proposals outlining renovations and operating plans. Kramer requested county collaboration on staffing and a transitional safety net to protect current shelter employees while fundraising and contracts are finalized.

Commissioners asked about timeline, oversight and checks on nonprofit expenditures; Kramer said the nonprofit expects the county to retain oversight and proposed transparent financial controls. County staff estimated a minimum of 90 days to negotiate and implement a transfer if the board authorizes moving forward; no formal vote to transfer operations occurred Thursday.