AS WE view it, the auctioning off of the former Bethesda School building is a win-win scenario.

The long-dormant structure has been under the ownership of the Belmont County commissioners. It was also proving a constant drain on the county’s coffers.

Such is no longer the case, and the county will gain some needed financial relief, both immediate and longterm.

Bob Shepherd, a Bethesda resident and former car dealer, gained possession of the building with his bid of $30,000.

The commissioners would have liked a larger amount for the structure and the six plus acres of land that goes with it. We don’t blame them. But even $30,000 is money that can be targeted for positive gains.

The longterm yield to the county, however, may prove even more beneficial. The commissioners have now shed themselves from a $50,000 white elephant, one which yields just $3,600 in rent per year.

Making the deal even sweeter for the county is the fact when the former school was purchased by the commissioners, it was done so with state grant money. No county funds were utilized, making the auction proceeds an all-profit deal for Belmont County.

Shepherd, meanwhile, obviously has the resources to transact such a deal.

Moreover, much sentimental value was involved as Shepherd was a former student at Bethesda School.

The building and its decades of memories will mean more to Shepherd and his family than to the county.

Shepherd has no immediate plans for his new possession. But we know it is in the proper hands and the county is also better off for the change in ownership.