BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Belmont County Commissioners approved a wide range of motions during the regular Wednesday meeting including employee travel authorizations, construction projects, infrastructure upgrades, and updates to employee benefits.
The commissioners celebrated March as American Red Cross Month by issuing a proclamation recognizing the compassionate acts of people in Belmont County and by renewing their commitment to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need.
The American Red Cross Community Disaster Program Manager, a local volunteer from Belmont County and two staff members addressed the commissioners about the organization’s mission locally and nationwide.
The group provided detailed statistics of the chapter’s achievements over the past year:
- Emergency Responses: The chapter recorded 14 responses in Belmont County, primarily addressing house fires, which resulted in significant property damage and impacted 37 households.
- Support for Armed Forces: In addition to civilian emergencies, the organization processed 43 cases involving active military personnel and their families, ensuring that support reached those serving both locally and abroad.
- Training and Certification: More than 617 training sessions were conducted, certifying community members in life-saving techniques such as CPR and emergency preparedness.
- Blood Donation Drives: A record 780 units of blood were collected, highlighting the ongoing commitment of community members to support life-saving initiatives.
- Smoke Alarm Installations: The Red Cross installed 243 free smoke alarms with its partners in Belmont County homes, a preventive measure aimed at reducing the risk of fire-related incidents.
- Financial Assistance: Over $10,000 in direct financial aid was provided to local residents recovering from home fires.
The program manager emphasized the need for further financial support and resources, urging the commissioners to consider a $2,500 budget allocation for the American Red Cross that could help sustain and expand these services.
In other business, commissioners discussed infrastructure improvements to Barnesville-Bradfield Airport with representatives from the airport. The FAA is considering a $4.5 million project to rehabilitate the taxiway. The runway is 5,000 feet long.
During the meeting’s open forum, Belmont County resident Steve Velka shared his concerns over an obstructed right-of-way. For the past six months, Velka said he has witnessed what he describes as an ongoing battle over right-of-way obstructions at the junction where Barloch Road turns into County Road 10.
Velka said that an individual allegedly repeatedly placed concrete barriers, a steel fence post, and other obstructions on the right-of-way which have gradually narrowed an essential access route, turning what was once a viable road into what he calls a “cow path.”
“I paid to have the right-of-way surveyed for the township and had it clearly marked as a property line,” Velka explained. “But the post gets pulled over, knocked over, and the concrete keeps coming. It’s like he just doesn’t want you to use the road.”
He further expressed concern over the safety implications for local drivers and businesses. Velka noted that truck drivers, especially those hauling heavy loads, are forced to make dangerous maneuvers. “You can’t come in with ten tons on that truck and whip it in here,” he said, adding that vehicle collisions could happen. “It’s the only road that has a business on it, and it’s been choked down to a cow path.”
In response to these issues, Velka paid for a survey of the area and now the issue is being considered by the Belmont County Prosecutor’s office, which requested a second survey using taxpayers’ money.
According to Velka, the situation has deteriorated to a point where proper road usage is nearly impossible. “It’s blatantly obvious that someone is deliberately obstructing the road,” he asserted. “It needs to be opened up – for safety, for business, and for the community.”
The next meeting of the Belmont County Commissioners is Wednesday, March 19 at 10 a.m. in the Belmont County Courthouse.
