A previously planned meeting to discuss issues surrounding the functions of Brooke County’s humane officer and the operations of the county animal shelter will now be held later this week.

Brooke commissioners and other officials will hold a meeting at 10:30 a.m., Friday, at the Brooke County Courthouse, as part of a review of existing animal control policies.

“This has been an ongoing issue,” explained Sheriff Rich Beatty. “We’re trying to get everyone together so we can get everyone on the same sheet.”

Concerns were expressed by county Prosecuting Attorney Allison Cowden following the recent temporary appointment of a new humane officer by Beatty, in particular about how the appointee — who also is a sheriff’s deputy — can properly serve in both capacities.

The meeting was supposed to be held last week, but was canceled along with the regular county commission meeting.

In related matters, the commission, on Tuesday, approved a proposal from the law firm of Rawle & Henderson LLP, provided by Matthew Chapman, to review and advise on streamlining the policies, at a cost of $200 per hour.

Cowden, during Tuesday’s meeting, reported Weirton-based attorney Michael Simon had offered to assist at no charge, but Commissioner A.J. Thomas explained Simon’s proposal was to, primarily, share policies he previously had drafted for Hancock County.

“He was, essentially, just going to give us those,” Thomas said, adding he feels it would be of value for Brooke County to see the approaches taken from other local counties and municipalities.

Thomas previously explained the interconnected nature of many of the regulations and policies in question, noting how they may affect the animal shelter, the county sheriff’s department and the county prosecutor’s office.