SHADYSIDE — Collaboration, economic growth and the future of a long-discussed industrial project were key topics during a town hall Wednesday that brought together Shadyside residents and Belmont County commissioners at the Shadyside Municipal Building.

The forum, held as part of National County Government Month, encouraged public input while emphasizing stronger relationships between local and county leaders.

Shadyside Mayor Mike Meintel said rebuilding those relationships has been a priority.

“One of the things I promised when I ran for mayor was to get back to the old ways of doing things and that was to establish relationships with government partners,” Meintel said. “This is a step toward that tonight.”

He added that communication is essential to effective governance.

“Anytime you do business, you can’t do cold calls,” Meintel said, noting he wants to “establish relationships and work for the betterment of Shadyside and Belmont County and improve the quality of life for all of our citizens.”

County officials echoed that sentiment, stressing the need for cooperation across all levels of local government.

“We want to work together. The challenges are too hard for all of us to take on by ourselves,” Commissioner J.P. Dutton said. “There are certain things that just do not happen without cooperation.”

Dutton said aligning efforts among counties, villages and townships is critical to gaining support at the state level.

“We all need to try to swim in the same direction as much as possible and be able to get the attention from our state partners,” he said.

Much of the discussion also focused on economic growth, which Dutton described as essential but increasingly complex.

“The answer is growth, right? I mean that’s what everyone wants,” he said, adding that attracting development requires preparation. “It all really comes down to site development … we need to have things in the queue for companies that are looking to relocate to Ohio and Belmont County.”

He noted that infrastructure and investment readiness play a major role in whether communities can capitalize on opportunities.

“It’s infrastructure,” Dutton said. “You have to be able to invest and make sure your system is good and safe.”

Property taxes also were a major topic, particularly as discussions continue statewide about potential elimination or reform.

Commissioner Vince Gianangeli said eliminating property taxes would have serious consequences, while acknowledging the burden some residents face.

“The most disheartening piece of any of that is when you are sitting there with an older couple that come in and tell you that they are going to lose their home. That strikes a nerve with me. Do I think we should eliminate property taxes? Absolutely not. Do I think there should be reform? Absolutely, yes.”

He suggested targeted relief measures for residents on fixed incomes.

“That’s the reform that I am talking about. Some sort of reform, not elimination,” he said.

Dutton said the county also has taken steps to address concerns about overcollection.

“We don’t want to be collecting more from property owners than needs to be done, especially if we are providing the same level of services,” he said, pointing to efforts to reduce or eliminate certain countywide levies.

Commissioner Jerry Echemann said eliminating property taxes altogether would be difficult to envision.

“I don’t want to eliminate property taxes. I can’t imagine what that would be like,” he said, while noting the issue could gain traction if placed before voters.

Residents also asked about the future of the proposed but stalled ethane cracker plant in Dilles Bottom, a project long viewed as a potential economic driver for the region.

Shadyside Council Member and educator Melanie Haswell raised concerns about the project’s status and its potential impact on the community, including local schools.

Officials acknowledged the project has faced years of delays but said discussions are ongoing.

“It’s hard to be hopeful after so much time has gone by, but I think it still is a possibility,” Echemann said. “If not the cracker plant, it could be something else. It’s such a great site.”

Dutton said communication with the project team has continued despite setbacks.

“The intention has never changed. The goal has never changed, the communications have never changed,” he said. “We still have the greatest river site the state of Ohio has to offer.”

He added that while global challenges have slowed progress, local leaders remain focused on preparing for future development.

“I think there is still reason to be optimistic,” Dutton said. “We have not taken our eyes off of that ball the entire time.”

The proposed plant, which would use natural gas liquids from the region’s shale resources to produce plastics, has been in a pre-construction phase while developers seek a financial partner. Despite delays tied to economic conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic, local officials said they remain hopeful the site will eventually attract major investment.

A member of the project team confirmed discussions regarding the project are continuing at the federal level during the town hall.