ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Belmont County Commissioner J.P. Dutton said 2023 was a year of changes, with the demolition of several structures as well as laying the groundwork for new projects in 2024.

“When you look at 2023, I think it was a good year for Belmont County development. In general, Belmont County is in a very strong financial position and we’re going to need to be, for projects we want to continue to advance.”

He said there is good camaraderie among board members, and they are taking the long view.

“We really looked 10, 15, 20 years out with decision-making, and I think that is really serving us well,” he said. “It takes time. It can be frustrating, I think, with how long it takes to make adjustments and make changes, but we are on a really good path right now and I feel optimistic about the future of the county.”

Dutton said state and federal leaders have taken note of Belmont County’s progress.

He said this has made funding more likely.

“Belmont County’s doing a tremendous job bringing in dollars for projects big and small,” he said.

“When I think of 2023, just finally getting through that large package of water and sewer projects that have taken up so much time the last years, they were so needed and received so much funding from outside the county. A $30 million water treatment plant and the most expensive project Belmont County has taken on,” he said. “That’s going to allow us to move on to our next stage of projects. You’re going to see a lot of activity in the first quarter of 2024, particularly with sewer projects that are going to be really important for the county moving forward.”

He said other projects “long in the making” are also coming to fruition, including the demolition of the unused habitation center using state funds and at no cost to the county, and the former county home. The area formerly occupied by the home will be used for new facilities.

“Next year will be a big year. We’ve made progress on the design for the new health department building, again very much needed. You’ll see a lot of progress for that in 2024,” he said, adding the building will also house an office for the coroner.

The county fairgrounds will also be seeing some enhancements.

“We’re very excited about our partnership with the Belmont County Agricultural Society and Fair Board. We’re doing an innovative project right now with them where a building is currently being constructed that’s going to house Belmont County Soil and Water and Belmont County (Ohio State University) Extension to go along with the fair board’s office on the grounds of the Belmont County Fair. In the future, if someone needs something agriculture related in Belmont County, they go to one spot. … It’s going to allow each of those entities to build off of each other for all ag purposes.”

Renovations to the courthouse plaza are also expected to begin during the summer.

“That’s a project that’ll be funded 95% from federal funds,” he said.

The commissioners are also in the final stages of establishing the operating budget for 2024.

“We’re in a strong financial position. We’re going to need to do some of these projects we’re discussing,” he said.

This was also a year for laying the groundwork of infrastructure by investing $2 million of Economic Recovery Act dollars in a loan to Ohio GIG, which is pursuing a project of laying fiber optic cables.

Another new initiative was the Belmont County Community Access Resources Education & Solutions program, in conjunction with the Cumberland Trail Fire District with the goal of connecting vulnerable residents with agencies to assist them in various needs.

“There’s so many good, coordinated efforts going on inside the county,” he said.

Dutton also noted the Sargus Juvenile Center had its 50th anniversary. Renovations to that facility may also be on the horizon.

Management at the Belmont County Animal Shelter also came to public attention after it was confirmed that several dogs were euthanized and some of the records of the animals on social media were unclear or inaccurate. This culminated in an evening public meeting where the commissioners noted and investigated these issues. Dutton said it has been determined that new shelter facilities are necessary.

“We’re taking again a long-term approach,” he said. “We can start doing a preliminary design to see what type of facilities were needed long-term for animal welfare.”

He said 2024 should see a preliminary design and cost.

Dutton said the new Belmont County courts and prosecutors’ office and election board should be paid off in 2024.

Commissioner Jerry Echemann also commented.

“I’m very proud of the job of county government this year. Our fiscal house is very much in order, and I’m looking forward to next year,” he said.

Echemann added that he hopes sales tax receipts will continue to increase in 2024.

“Oil and gas revenue are healthy, and we have some casino money coming in as well. We’re sitting on about $12 million in Rescue Plan money,” he said. “I’m looking forward to next year. I think it’ll be a good year for us.”