CADIZ — The Harrison County Board of Commissioners appointed Del George as the new county engineer Wednesday morning.

“I’m not sure if everyone is aware, but county engineer Doug Bachman has resigned effective last Thursday, and he’s taking a position in Tuscarawas County,” Commissioner Paul Coffland said.

“After consulting with the prosecutor and looking at our options under the 305.02 (Ohio) Revised Code we’re prepared to make an appointment for Mr. Del George,” Coffland said.

The Ohio code states that the county can appoint an engineer if a vacancy opens up less than 40 days before the next general election.

Commissioner Amy Norris and Coffland passed the motion to appoint George with Commissioner Dustin Corder absent from the meeting.

County Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Knight officially swore in George on Wednesday morning during the meeting.

George said he has a lot of experience as an engineer. He worked for 23 years as the city engineer in Cambridge, Ohio, 21 years as the Guernsey County engineer and two and a half years as the engineer for Noble County. He said that he has also spent some time doing private work throughout the area.

George said he was born in Guernsey County, so his new job will be close to home.

“My attitude has always been don’t leave anywhere worse than you found it. The goal is, really, not to change the world, but to work with the people and make things as good as possible,” he said.

George said he was happy to take the job.

“It’s an opportunity more than anything else. This is probably the best job that I have encountered,” he said.

George said he hopes to start making positive connections with members of the community.

“I’m looking forward to getting acquainted. Really, the main goal is to make sure trust is gained. The other employees and officeholders have to trust me, and I have to trust them,” he said.

In other news, the commissioners also unanimously voted to approve a voucher of $387.03 for the county Department of Job and Family Services to pay bills.

The commissioners also approved $39,160.84 for Children Services.

The commissioners also voted to approve $20,685.69 for the engineer’s office.

Commissioners also passed a resolution that will make adjustments to vision insurance coverage for county employees.

“For full-time employees working a minimum of 30 hours per week, the amount will be $315 every two years. … Employees have a $10 copay per exam,” Coffland said.

He said these coverage rates only apply to eye care centers in Harrison County.

“If an employee elects to receive eye care outside of Harrison County, the employee is eligible for reimbursement of services not to exceed $265,” Coffland said.

“These rates have been in place for longer than anybody can remember, and we’re adjusting them for both the provider and the employee,” he said.

The insurance changes will take effect on Jan. 1.