BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Laughter, tears, smiles and applause filled the chambers of the Belmont County Commissioners’ meeting Wednesday when their colleague of eight years, Commissioner Josh Meyer, bid everyone farewell.
Meyer’s term ends Dec. 31.
The room was packed with county employees, community members and Meyer’s family members. His mom even appeared via video chat to wish him well, expressing how proud she is of him and calling him a “patriot.”
Many people spoke about Meyer’s attributes of integrity and professionalism.
Avery Meyer, his daughter, said her dad taught her about professionalism and that she was “proud to be his daughter.”
Spencer Echemann, 2nd Ward Councilman for Martins Ferry and son of Commissioner Jerry Echemann, said Meyer and the commissioners made a “good team.”
Commissioner J.P. Dutton said Meyer was an “excellent commissioner” who will be missed.
Former Belmont County Tourism Director Barb Ballint said Meyer “made a difference in this county.”
Ohio State Representative Don Jones (R) was not present but issued a proclamation honoring Meyer for his work.
A moment of laughter came amidst the tearful goodbyes as outgoing Belmont County Sheriff Dave Lucas presented Meyer with a giant jar a pretzels, a gift he called an inside joke. Lucas said Belmont County wouldn’t be here without Meyer’s input and support.
Frank Pappini of the United Steelworkers thanked Meyer for his service, calling him a “friend to labor.”
Meyer said his work as commissioner and in the public arena was a dream he had beginning in childhood. He first entered public service and politics in 2011 as a Bellaire Village councilman, a position he held for five and half years before becoming a county commissioner.
as a young individual, I was always interested in politics. my growing up, whenever we went on family vacations, we always traveled to historical places. So i’ve always had an appreciation for history. I thought, well, I want to be able to get back and do some service for our community. .
Outgoing Belmont County Commissioner Josh Meyer
While there were many serious events during Meyer’s eight-year commission term, River News Network asked if he remembered any lighthearted moments. He did. He said he once took a tumble…
There’s so many stories I can tell.
Outgoing Belmont County Commissioner Josh Meyer
and a lot of stuff that even goes behind the scenes. probably the funniest thing that’s ever happened is We were probably in a work session one day and I was leaning back in my chair, leaned back too far and my feet went up, so we ended up, you know, I’m laughing hysterically. my colleagues are like terribly looking at me like what in the world just happened and we ended up going out here and watching it on the camera. You can see my feet are stepping up into the air.
Meyer credited his faith, his family and his colleagues and community in Belmont County for his ability to serve the public. He said the county will continue to succeed. He hopes to spend more time with loved ones after his term ends.
the county’s gonna continue to go on. it’s gonna be in good hands. We’ve got a lot of great people.
Outgoing Belmont County Commissioner Josh Meyer
A lot of great positions that are going to continue doing the job they’ve done each and every day whether I was here or not and so you know everything is going to be good. I say it was great to be a part of it. I’ve been just looking to many more great years with my family, my friends & expanded base of friends that I’ve gotten to know over the last.
last eight years.
