BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Candidates for Richland Township trustee traded sharp words over the construction of a new township building that cost roughly $1 million Monday morning on Dimitri! Live & Dangerously Local!™️, questioning how the project was managed and whether it served the best interests of residents.
The three candidates vying for two positions as Richland Township trustees in Belmont County, Jay Stephens, Jim DeNoble and Rick Ferrell participated in a lively, two-hour debate hosted by Dimitri Vassilaros. Radio news director Karen Fatula and commentator Big Willie were panelists asking questions about township matters along with show host Dimitri.
Incumbent candidate Jim DeNoble left the debate early, citing his scheduling of another appointment during time allotted live on radio and social media for the debate.
The other incumbent, Rick Ferrell, and challenger Jay Stephens participated in the debate from 7 a.m. until just after 9 a.m.
Incumbents Ferrell and DeNoble defended the Richland Township building project, saying it cost $968,000 to build, was necessary and did not burden taxpayers, while challenger Jay Stephens argued the spending was excessive and poorly justified.
Trustee Jim DeNoble said the previous township building was deteriorating. He described the new facility as a long-overdue investment that provides storage space and safer conditions for township equipment.
“This wasn’t something decided in a few days,” DeNoble said. “We discussed it over eight months, and anyone could have come to the meetings. There was only one person objecting — and that was you, Jay.”
Stephens countered that trustees failed to question construction costs and could have pursued a less expensive renovation. He claimed the project’s final cost exceeded initial estimates once additional expenses were included.
“I don’t understand some of these prices,” Stephens said. “You could probably build that building for under $100,000 if it was out of your own pocket. There were extra costs — architectural fees, generators, and more — that pushed the total closer to $1 million.”
Trustee Rick Ferrell emphasized that no loans were used and township road funds remain intact. “This building is paid for,” Ferrell said. “It was a win-win for the township. You’re always going to have people who disagree, and they can make their voices heard at the ballot box.”
Dimitri asked if the township needed a public meeting space when other public spaces like community rooms and churches could be used. The incumbents acknowledged that they held meetings at community rooms and the sheriff’s substation at the Ohio Valley Mall while the new building was under construction. They added that the total cost of the new building including demolition of the old structure.
The discussion also touched on use of federal pandemic relief funds. DeNoble noted that the township gave the Cumberland Trail Fire District $46,000 under the CARES Act for ambulance equipment but said the American Rescue Plan funds were used for township needs.
“There are avenues — you’ve got to stay in your lane and make sure your money is spent properly,” DeNoble said. “We did so in this decision.”
Stephens, who said he has attended township meetings for more than 20 years, emphasized that he wants to bring more transparency to township decisions, claiming that “a lot of things are left out” of official meeting minutes. Stephens also said he would like to see road improvements to subdivisions like Country Lake Estates.
Richland Township encompasses the City of St. Clairsville and is one of the largest townships in Ohio by land area and has a population of 14,681 residents per the candidates making it a significant district in Belmont County.
Voters will decide on the Richland Township trustee race in the November 4 election.
