BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — The Belmont County Board of Commissioners convened Wednesday morning for a regular meeting filled with funds transfers, employee travel and an update from Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services Director Jeff Felton on his agency’s collaboration with the Community Action Commission.
Partnerships and Community Support
Felton praised the county’s longstanding partnership with the Community Action Commission (CAC) highlighting their collaborative efforts in youth employment, job fairs, and social service outreach. Felton noted that both agencies often assist overlapping populations.
Felton also updated commissioners on the recent BCDJFS Rapid Response job fair and information meeting for East Ohio Regional Hospital employees. The meeting featured representatives from the state-level Ohio DJFS unemployment insurance professionals and helped connect local service workers with employment opportunities.
Community Workforce Initiatives
The board approved a contract between the Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) and the Belmont County Community Action Commission (CAC) to provide a summer employment program for TANF-eligible families. The contract, running from May 1 through December 30, 2025, is not to exceed $61,323 and is fully funded by TANF.
Additionally, the commissioners signed a sub-grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Medicaid, and the Department of Children and Youth. The agreement, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, ensures JFS can continue receiving federal and state funding for public assistance, child support, and children’s services.
Travel Approval
Commissioners granted permission for a Belmont County DJFS employee to travel to New Orleans, Louisiana, from July 19–23, 2025, to attend the Treatment Foster Care Conference.
911 Infrastructure and Utility Relocation
Regarding infrastructure, the board approved a letter of agreement with Ohio Bell Telephone Company (doing business as AT&T) for $34,350.28 to relocate communication lines tied to the 911 building. The relocation is part of a broader utility project on State Route 331, involving AT&T, Columbia Gas, and other providers, and impacts the Belmont County Health Department, Records Center, and the Coroner’s Office.
The board approved the bid for $166,226 from Border Patrol LLC to remodel the restroom and shower at the Sargus Juvenile Center.
ODOT Salt Contract and Sewer Project Funding
The commissioners adopted a resolution allowing the county engineer to participate in the Ohio Department of Transportation’s 2025 road salt contract. They also approved a $434,757.96 pay request to Ohio-West Virginia Excavating for improvements to the Blaine Hill Gravity Force Main. This project enhances sewer capacity for key retail areas near the Ohio Valley Mall and is funded, in part, by the Ohio Department of Development.
Landslide Repairs and Water Main Relocation
A preliminary resolution was adopted to support landslide repairs on State Route 147 at two locations. As part of this, Belmont County Water and Sewer District will relocate a water main, with an estimated cost of $24,600 to be paid from the N22 Capital Improvement Fund.
Transfers and Appropriations
The board approved three intra-fund transfers, three inter-fund transfers, and 19 additional appropriations. They approved a $387,022.86 transfer for the employees’ share of Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) holding account chargebacks for March 2025.
Commissioners also moved to request certification from the Belmont County Budget Commission for a previously signed-off budget request.
Next meeting
The Belmont County Board of Commissioners will have its next public meeting on Wednesday, April 23 at the Belmont County Courthouse in St. Clairsville, Ohio.
