ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County auditor’s seat is being sought by two candidates on Nov. 3

Incumbent Anthony Rocchio faces a challenge from Cindi Henry, who has fiscal experienc at several levels.

Rocchio, 27, is a resident of St. Clairsville and originally from Bellaire. He was appointed auditor by the Democratic Party last year after then-auditor Roger Conroy died. Rocchio is a 2015 graduate of West Virginia University and has worked five years in the auditor’s office.

He took office during a tumultuous time.

“Since taking the position, I’ve worked on some of the county’s biggest bonds and notes,” he said, adding he managed to keep the budget on track during the COVID-19 pandemic. His duties include handling federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds and working with municipalities, townships and the commissioners. He has also been involved in a program to provide financial aid to small businesses impacted by the virus.

Moving forward, Rocchio hopes to address how properties are valued.

“I know there’s been some inconsistencies in the past, whether we’ve had different appraisal companies, whether under different leadership we’ve done different methods,” he said.

He plans to work with the appraisal company and help property owners better understand what models are used and what results they can expect.

The goal is stability and consistency, he said.

“I know that’s been a big issue with the office in the past,” he said.

Rocchio said his youth is a point in his favor, adding he will bring energy and a familiarity with new technology to the office, as well as stability.

“We need somebody in the office that’s young, that’s going to be there for many years,” he said. “If you have a department head change every so often, they’re not going to know a lot of the back story.”

Rocchio was also involved in creating an Enterprise Zone Agreement incentive for a potential ethane cracker plant at Dilles Bottom. He sees great potential for the county should this plant become a reality.

“We might start seeing industrial properties like we’ve never seen before, so we’re going to have to work heavily with appraisal company in getting the correct valuation … and everybody can get the right money distributed in the taxing districts,” he said. adding the auditor’s office is crucial in evaluating the properties and working with companies seeking exceptions and abatements.

“If that cracker plant comes, the county’s going to grow at a pretty rapid rate, so we need to have to get our ducks in a row,” he said.

He is married to Andrea and they have a one-year-old daughter.

Cindi Henry, 62, of St. Clairsville is the Republican candidate. She brings 25 years of experience at the township, county, school, city and state levels of government.

“I know the inter-workings of each. How they operate, and how some need the county to partner with them in the wise budgeting and expenditure of your tax dollars,” she said.

Henry added Belmont County is a strong community that has withstood economic and fiscal adversity. She is confident she will help bring the county through the pandemic’s aftermath.

“I am quite familiar with the individuals involved, the budget challenges our times present, and I have proven I can work with both. It takes cooperation and teamwork to bring us together and through tough times. But, together, we will make through,” she said.

Henry added an experienced hand is needed as Belmont County recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

“With the loss of sales tax revenue and with our businesses hurting so greatly in the wake of the pandemic, Belmont Count needs an experienced auditor now more than ever. Our times require leadership and experience. This is no time for an auditor who is learning on the job,” she said. “We need more experience in the Auditor’s Office, and we need it now.”

“A good Auditor first seeks to protect your tax dollars but also seeks new and innovative ways to make those same dollars work harder for you. Doing more with less is something most households have had to do, and it’s something Belmont County must learn to do,” she said.

She also anticipates the cracker plant.

“Our times are challenging, but they also present a once in a lifetime opportunity. While our possibilities are not endless, they are exciting,” she said.

“The anticipated cracker plant in Dilles Bottom – although delayed due to the COVID-19 downturn in the economy – is still exciting in that it will bring new tax revenue for the county, as well as jobs to our area. The key is to plan accordingly.”

She has served 25 years as Richland Township fiscal officer, 20 years as a contracted visiting clerk for the Auditor of State, training of new fiscal employees on governmental accounting. She served eight years as finance director for the City of St Clairsville and six years as Belmont County commissioners fiscal manager.

Her accomplishments include reducing the city’s debt by more than $700,000 and continually has spotless audits. She said she took the city from a nearly un-auditable status to 100-percent compliance. She also works with Richland Township to remain within its budget, despite maintaining nearly 100 miles of road with no levies.

Henry added she will be a hands-on, full-time auditor.

“You deserve a qualified, experienced candidate who knows how to effectively manage your tax dollars,” she said.

As a community, we are going to experience many highs and lows in the years ahead. Managing the County’s money in this uncertain period is going to require a very knowledgeable and experienced individual,” she said. “I have that knowledge.”

Henry is divorced with two adult children.