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STEUBENVILLE -- Jefferson County commissioners balked Thursday at approving payment for two subcontractors who performed work tied to a water line relocation on State Route 213 that officials said was not authorized, not advertised for bids and lacked a designated funding source.
After the request was entered into the official record, commissioners Tony Morelli and Eric Timmons said they were unaware the contractors, Ron Holmes and TS Electric, had performed any work on the project.
They also noted County Auditor E.J. Conn had previously warned them not to approve invoices tied to the relocation project, citing Ohio law requiring the auditor not pay invoices with such deficiencies.
"I didn't know we had a job Mr. Holmes was on until yesterday," Morelli said. "The same for the next one, TS Electric. I don't think we can pay it. Our auditor told us we can't. I think we should table it until Commissioner (Jake) Kleineke is here."
Morelli and Timmons said Kleineke, who was not present, should be in attendance before any vote is taken.
"I do not (think we should pay it)," Timmons said. "We did not approve this job, so I'm fine with tabling it until he is here."
Holmes is owed $1,500 and TS Electric $18,566, but Water and Sewer District Supervisor Jonathan Sgalla said both contractors had been advised of the OAS involvement.
"I want to be clear, this has nothing to do with Mr. Holmes or TS Electric," Morelli said, adding "they do good work for us."
Timmons also raised concerns about a Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District employee making disparaging remarks about the board of commissioners to township trustees. He did not identify the employee, but said the comments were unprofessional.
"When it's done like that, in a public setting and you're talking to trustees, it's not good," he said. "I don't appreciate it."
Sources said the remarks came after the employee inserted himself into a discussion involving a water and sewer department issue.
Commissioners also approved a resolution of necessity for a Board of Developmental Disabilities levy renewal that will appear on the November general election ballot.
Superintendent Mike Zinno said the levy is a renewal and would not increase taxes.
"It is an existing levy and we will be seeking a renewal, so no new taxes," he said.
The department serves more than 500 Jefferson County families, Zinno said.
Commissioners also:
-- Were told by Engineer Eric Hilte that the county's road salt costs could increase by as much as 131 percent if pricing issues are not resolved.
-- Reappointed Steven Wilson to the Prevention and Recovery Board through June 30, 2030.
-- Accepted the Prevention and Recovery Board's annual report.
-- Opened bids for the Ohio Public Works Commission-funded County Road 45 resurfacing project, with bids ranging from $1,004,312 to $1,184,540 against an engineer's estimate of $944,374.
-- Opened bids for the CR 8 and township resurfacing project, with bids ranging from $1,069,858 to $1,297,602 against an estimate of $944,025.
-- Agreed to serve as sub-grantee for a Drug Task Force Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant for 2027.
-- Approved a cooperation agreement with the city of Steubenville for administration and enforcement of a road use maintenance agreement involving County Road 26.
-- Approved a $6,000 recreation fund disbursement to Springfield Township for basketball court resurfacing at the 7th Street Park.
-- Authorized a $3,120 annual payment for E-Z Scan digital licensing.
-- Allowed McKinley Architecture & Engineering to seek bids for courthouse fire alarm replacement.