ST. CLAIRSVILLE — David Trouten, Belmont County clerk of courts and judge-elect, met Tuesday with architects from McKinley Architecture and Engineering to finalize plans for the relocation of the title office to the former headquarters of The Health Plan, located east of St Clairsville along U.S. 40.

“We have been discussing this move for some time since the commissioners acquired the site,” Trouten said. “My staff and I have walked the location with the various architects on several occasions and have gradually been able to move the project forward. We wanted to make sure this move was done right, not only for our needs now, but for many decades to come.”

Trouten pointed out that the title office has never really had a stable home.

“It’s been in three different locations in the last 20 years,” Trouten said. “And our current location is a rental, so this move will save the office money once modifications to the building are complete. The new location will be more accessible from all areas of the county, since it sits right off of the exit to I-70. The parking is convenient, and there is more efficient space for both staff and the public.

“Our title staff is all looking forward to the new location,” Trouten said. “I am glad that I was able to see the project through to the point of kickoff.”

Trouten will be leaving the clerk’s office to assume duties as Eastern Division Court judge after his recent election.

On Tuesday, the final plans were agreed on and approved. The next step is to begin taking bids for the work. Completion of the project and relocation of the title office is anticipated for the summer of 2019.

“I have to thank the commissioners for providing this stable location for the future of our title department,” Trouten said.

The renovation of The Health Plan buildings is part of a plan to move several county offices, including the board of elections and the courts, to the site. Belmont County purchased the property for $3.3 million in 2017 after The Health Plan moved into a new headquarters it constructed in Wheeling.