Carbon County is finalizing the commission that will oversee the county’s animal shelter.

On Thursday, the commissioners said they had made their final decision on the five people who will serve on the commission. The individuals, who have not yet been formally announced, will serve either one-, two- or three-year terms on the commission.

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said that the county is waiting on some final guidance regarding policies for the commission and expects to make a public announcement in the coming weeks.

Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein said it was a great turnout on the applications, noting that 11 people applied and all were highly qualified to serve in the capacity that is needed to oversee the shelter’s operations.

The commission idea came about earlier this year following a report that was completed by the Lehigh County Humane Society, in conjunction with the county’s insurance provider, on the daily operations of the shelter.

The assessment found several items that should be addressed, from cosmetic repairs to better serve the visitors, as well as the dogs; to staff training and hiring enough staff or creating a volunteer program to provide adequate services for the animals while under the county’s care.

The county commended Tom Connors, director at the shelter, for all he and the staff have been doing so far.

The county also hired companies to complete concrete and paving work at the shelter, as well as purchase other necessary items to complete cosmetic upgrades to the building to better serve the dogs under the county’s care.

Commissioner Rocky Ahner said that much of the needed cosmetic improvements have been completed, except for one piece that was shipped but not yet received.