STEUBENVILLE — Jefferson County commissioners said they are being required to relocate a water line in the 1800 block of state Route 151 between New Alexandria and Georges Run because of a planned culvert replacement project by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

ODOT plans to replace and extend an existing culvert beneath the roadway where Georges Run flows under the highway before discharging into the Ohio River. The county’s 4-inch water line is located within the state’s right-of-way, requiring it to be moved before construction can begin.

Andrew Dawson of Arcadis Engineering told commissioners Thursday the existing 32-foot culvert will be extended to more than 100 feet.

He said the new structure will extend 28 feet beyond the current limits on the north side of the road and 40 feet beyond the current limits on the south side of state Route 151.

ODOT has requested the county submit a relocation plan by October, with work expected to be completed during the summer of 2027.

Dawson said the county has no alternative but to comply because the water line is within ODOT’s right-of-way.

He said it is too early to estimate the cost of the project, though officials hope it will remain below the public bidding threshold. Dawson noted the county’s work must be completed before ODOT begins construction and said the area contains heavy vegetation with no existing access roads leading to the water line.

He added there are about 300 miles of water lines running beneath roadways throughout Jefferson County that must be maintained.

Commissioner Tony Morelli said state and federal mandates continue creating financial burdens for local governments.

Commissioner Jake Kleineke said county officials regularly must explain to residents that local governments are often directed by outside agencies on how utilities such as water and sewer systems must be operated.

Commissioners also learned bulk water rates for the J system will increase by another 25 cents per 1,000 gallons beginning April 1, 2027.

Director Jonathan Sgalla said the county’s rate was $3 per 1,000 gallons through April 1, 2025, and increased to $3.25 per 1,000 gallons through April 1 of this year. He said the contract, which runs through 2028, had been sent to the county with rates one year behind schedule.

The county purchases approximately 9 million to 10 million gallons of water annually from the village.

Commissioner Eric Timmons noted prices are increasing everywhere.

Commissioners also revisited a previously tabled request to fund wages and PERS contributions for an assistant prosecutor after Prosecutor Jane Hanlin said the expense would be offset through new legal service agreements.

Under one agreement, the Jefferson County Land Reutilization Corp. will pay the prosecutor’s office $3,500 per month for legal work connected to property sales and acquisitions. The agreement took effect Jan. 1 and runs for 36 months.

A second agreement with the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District also took effect Jan. 1 for a 36-month term and covers legal work involving property acquisitions.

Commissioners also were informed that organizers of the county’s America 250 celebration are planning a July 2 picnic for courthouse employees. Common Pleas Judge Michelle Miller said members of the judicial community volunteered to cover remaining expenses after some items were donated.

Miller also requested courthouse employees be permitted an extended lunch break that day to attend the picnic. After a resident questioned whether taxpayers would cover the additional time off, Miller said courthouse employees frequently work beyond normal hours without additional compensation.

In other business, commissioners:

— Were notified Friendship Park Lake has been stocked with more than 5,000 fish, with officials expecting more than 10,000 fish to be added by year’s end. Funding was provided through Clean Ohio.

— Approved the purchase of carpeting for workspace at the Tower building formerly occupied by Manpower. Houser’s Furniture submitted the lowest quote at $9,503.

— Amended the county’s road use management agreement with Ascent Resources for the Amber, Gabriel and Kelpie well sites in Wells Township and extended the company’s master agreement for one year.

— Scheduled the second required public hearing on the Regional Planning Commission’s application for Community Development Block Grant funds for 10 a.m. May 28.

— Approved a request from the Richmond Community Historical Society for assistance funding its Memorial Day parade May 25. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. in downtown Richmond and conclude at Richmond Union Cemetery with a ceremony.

— Were advised participants in the Phoenix Drug Court program will clean courthouse planters and plant flowers.

— Executed a contract modification for the Jefferson County Regional Airport Authority with Michael Baker International for construction administration and oversight related to replacement of the airport’s aviation gas system through an Ohio Department of Transportation aviation grant.