T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK Belmont County Sheriff David Lucas and Prosecutor Dan Fry represent the Belmont County Major Crimes Unit as it receives a check for $50,000 from the Belmont County Board of Commissioners.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Board of Commissioners met Wednesday and presented a check for $50,000 to the Belmont County Major Crimes Unit. Sheriff David Lucas and Prosecutor Dan Fry appeared to accept the check and discuss the major crimes unit and its work.

The unit was formed in 2013 and includes all county law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor’s office.

“One of the major problems with the county and across the United States is drugs,” Lucas said, adding that Martins Ferry Police Chief John McFarland is commander of the drug task force division. “We’ve been hitting that hard right from day one. … We’re all there to help and assist each other.”

Lucas added that the county’s police chiefs meet monthly to share information and work out issues and problems.

“This is a very good joint communication of all law enforcement and the prosecutor of Belmont County, and I commend all the members and the operators who do the work on the street in fighting crime in Belmont County,” he said.

Commissioner Mark Thomas said the money came from a portion of the county’s general fund that was not designated for a specific purpose. He added that the work the major crime unit has taken on since its inception is appreciated.

“This unit of dedicated individuals does an amazing job. Unfortunately, we have to have it,” he said, adding that the commissioners have committed to the financial support of the unit through the years. “This is productive use of that money because of how they do their jobs.”

“This is a difficult job and you guys are doing it very well,” Commissioner J.P. Dutton said.

“Without this money, we would be hurting in getting the work done,” Lucas said.

Fry also added that the unit’s operating fund is made up almost entirely of forfeitures to lessen the need for county support.

“The drug landscape has changed in Belmont County,” Fry said, adding that drug-related crimes have become more serious and often involve cash forfeitures, as well as the forfeiture of homes and cars.

Thomas said local governments, such as municipalities, cannot afford to pay their public safety forces to work beyond their general duties. The funds provided by the county will help defray some of those costs.

“It’s a 24/7 battle, and we’re fighting it every day,” Fry said.

Thomas also said that the incarceration of these individuals is an additional cost to the county.

“Our jail costs have skyrocketed for many reasons, but primarily these drug reasons. The money we’re giving here makes a difference and our taxpayers need to know that, and we’re happy to do it,” he added.

In other matters, county oil and gas liaison Steve Hill retired and was re-hired as an intermittent employee at a rate of $25.58 per hour, not to exceed 1,000 hours per year with no county benefits. The commissioners said Hill had requested to retire.

“He wanted to retire, but he has agreed to help us with continued oil and gas lease scenarios and situations,” Thomas said, adding that there are no plans to fully replace the position. “He is just going to help us as needed with oil and gas leases.”

Thomas thanked Hill for his service in laying the groundwork for smooth county relations with the oil and gas industry regarding road use maintenance agreements and other matters.

“When Steve first started, I think his workload was the highest point because that’s when the majority of the early leasing and getting those processes in place. Because of Steve’s good work we have processes in place in terms of how to handle these leases as they come in. We have a little bit more of a smoother transition as these documents arrive, but his expertise is still needed in terms of getting those documents moved forward,” Dutton said. “There was still work to be done in his job description. He was willing to stay somewhat involved because there are still things going on.”