Preparations are underway for the City of Oxford as its animal shelter changes management in coming weeks.

The intent to appoint an Animal Control Provider Committee was announced during a Sept. 13 recessed meeting of the Oxford Board of Aldermen. During Tuesday’s regular meeting, Alderman Janice Antonow announced the names of the people selected.

“We’re going to have a committee review the proposals, and then on Monday we’ll conduct interviews for anyone who has a viable proposal,” Antonow said. “So there are eight of us who will come to (the board of aldermen) on Oct. 2 during our next meeting to approve whoever it is that we select.”

Animal Control Provider Committee members are City employees Mark Levy and Greg Pinion, Lafayette County Supervisor David Rikard, veterinarian Dr. Bob Guy, Ole Miss biology professor Dr. Tiffany Bensen, attorney and animal advocate Bill Rogers, Alderman Preston Taylor and Antonow.

The committee will be accepting proposals for operation of the animal shelter and animal control until 2 p.m. Thursday. Those who advance in the selection process will be contacted accordingly.

Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society, which has occupied the animal shelter building since 2011, announced on Aug. 7 its intent to not renew its management agreement with the City.

Once OLHS vacates the property on Sept. 30, Antonow said the City will come in and evaluate the building and make necessary changes and repairs, which could take more than a month. The shelter held its last official transport on Wednesday, sending 40 cats and kittens to Wisconsin Humane Society.

The Oxford Board of Aldermen will hold its next regular meeting on Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.