The Fayette County Commission on Dec. 10 approved a memorandum of agreement connected to the purchase of 4.7 acres adjacent to the Peachtree City Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) office on Ga. Highway 74 South in Peachtree City for the future home of the Fayette County Animal Shelter.

The next step in the process, dealing with issues such as easements and signage, will be the approval of the memo by the WASA board, which will likely come in January.

Commissioners previously approved a resolution to express the intent to acquire this 4.7-acre parcel from WASA, said County Administrator Steve Rapson.

“Peachtree City has proposed to relocate the animal shelter from our existing location to a site adjacent to the Peachtree City WASA location,” Rapson said. “Peachtree City desires to convert the location for public safety reasons, creating a Quick-Response EMS type location, which has several advantages based upon location and access.”

Commissioners previously approved the purchase of the 4.7-acre site for $71,400. The property includes two access easements.

The parcel is adjacent to, and situated on the south side of, the WASA building on Hwy. 74 South.

Commissioners on Oct. 8 in the first phase of a multi-step process that will lead to the construction of a new animal shelter agreed to purchase 4.2 acres adjacent to the WASA building on Ga. Highway 74 South. Since that time, an additional .5 acres, which includes wetlands, was added to the agreement for no additional cost.

The animal shelter is currently located near the intersection of Hwy. 74 South and Holly Grove Road. The new site is within a half mile of the current site on Hwy. 74 South.

Commissioners previously allocated $1 million for the construction of a new facility.

Rapson said the new site is twice the size of the current site and is far removed from residential neighborhoods.

Given that it will take time for the new construction, Rapson said Peachtree City agreed to lease the current location to the county for $1 per day.