BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO – The Belmont County Commissioners convened for their regular meeting on Wednesday, April 2, addressing a series of motions concerning human resources, county projects, and service agreements.
Commissioners provided clarification regarding the county’s Human Resources (HR) department, stating that while it supports the entities under the Office of County Commissioners, each elected official retains autonomy in handling employee relations. Approximately 250 of the county’s 550 employees fall directly under the commissioners, while others operate under different elected offices or entities such as the Belmont County Health Department.
The meeting included the approval of previous minutes and a financial motion to pay $174,100 to Grae Con Construction Inc. for the Belmont County Health and Records Building Project. The project also includes space for the Belmont County Coroner’s office.
Commissioners also approved a contract with Power DMS by NeoGov for a tracking system for the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, with an initial cost of $27,677 for the first year and reduced costs for subsequent years. Commissioners say this system will enhance public safety by managing staff scheduling, email notifications, payroll, and tracking administrative activities.
Commissioners approved a new pet licensing services system through an agreement with DocuPet Corporation. The initiative, aimed at modernizing the county’s longstanding paper-based licensing system, is expected to streamline the process and enhance the accuracy of records. Commissioner Jerry Echemann noted that the system would allow pet owners to personalize dog tags similarly to license plates.
The commissioners approved the purchase of a 2025 Ford Transit van from Hill International for $68,512 to support Belmont County Senior Services. The vehicle will be used for transporting senior citizens.
The board authorized multiple road use and maintenance agreements (RUMA) with companies conducting drilling and water transfer activities. These agreements include a RUMA with Ohio Gathering Company for the use of 1.67 miles of CR-4 (Sand Hill Road) and .62 miles of CR 42 (Fulton Hill Road) for drilling activity at the Robinson to Violet well site. They also approved a RUMA with Gulfport Appalachia for water transfer activity on CR 68 (Flushing NE Road).
Additionally, a district office lease agreement was signed with Congressman Michael A. Rulli for space in the County Annex 3 building.
The meeting also saw the approval of increased funding for the Youth Services Contract between the Belmont County Department of Job & Family Services and the Community Action Commission of Belmont County for $457,723 for youth employment services.
The next meeting of the Belmont County Board of Commissioners is Wednesday, April 9 at 10 a.m. at the Belmont County Courthouse.
