BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Belmont County commissioners met Wednesday to unseal multiple bids for the McKeever water tank repainting project. The McKeever water storage tank is located outside the Village of Belmont.
Commissioners said county engineer Terry Lively estimated the project to cost around $600,000. Bids came in from across the U.S., with many from Michigan. One company from Wisconsin bid more than one million dollars to paint the tank. Other bids ranged from $500 through more than $700,000.
Belmont County Water and Sewer District Director Kelly Porter told commissioners the tank was built in 2002 and this will be its first paint “recoating.” He added that the county maintains the tanks which adds to their longevity.
We keep them in good shape and they last a long time. we have some that are 60 years old.
Kelly Porter, Belmont County Water and Sewer District Director
Porter will review all the bids and reconvene with the commissioners to select the firm with the best bid for the job. Commissioner Jerry Echemann said they may have a decision at next Wednesday’s commission meeting.
A newly painted water tank wasn’t the only order of business for the Belmont County Water and Sewer District. Commissioners also approved the purchase of five Ford F-250 pickup trucks at a total cost of $265,824 through the State of Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Contract at Porter’s recommendation. Commissioners said these are replacement trucks. Four trucks totaling $212,779 will be paid from a water district fund. Another truck totaling $53,045 will be paid for through a sewer district fund.
In other business, the commissioners accepted a $3,000 donation from Ronald DeNoon in memory of Ruth Ann for the Belmont County Animal Shelter. Commissioner J. P. Dutton said the shelter appreciates donations and will put the money to good use for the animals.
Commissioner Vince Gianangeli acknowledged the passing of Pultney Township Trustee Mark Cervelli. Gianangeli said Cervelli was a 1976 graduate of St. John’s High School in Bellaire and will be missed. Dutton added that he admired Cervelli and that his knowledge was “unparalleled.”
In a later executive session, commissioners approved a motion to hire Michael Dalto as part-time Medical Driver at Senior Services of Belmont County, effective February 3, 2025.
They also approved a motion to terminate Mark Ingles, full-time Assistant Dog Warden at the Belmont County Animal Shelter, effective January 22, 2025 and direct his supervisor to notify Ingles of the same.
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