Commissioners discuss Acquired Lands Revenue Modernization Act
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MARIETTA - Commissioner Charlie Schilling read a news release from U.S. Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio 2nd, on the introduction of the Acquired Lands Revenue Modernization Act with companion legislation introduced by Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, in the Senate on Wednesday morning.
According to the release, the act would increase the share of qualifying revenue states receive from energy development on federally acquired lands. It would increase the state share from 25% to 50%, returning a greater share from the federal land leases, rentals, and royalties to the states where development occurs, the press release said.
"Anyone that's been here for the last six years, knows that we've talked so much about how the Frontier Local School District has been impoverished by the fact that the land in the Wayne National Forest is valued at $600 per acre,” Schilling said.
He referenced the lease of 2,777 acres in Wayne National Forest by the Bureau of Land Management earlier this year, saying "The federal government received (approximately) $11 million for that lease. Twenty-five percent of that then comes back to the state and it is divided in a manner that isn’t fair to our county here."
Schilling also read a statement from the Board of Commissioners saying, "Far too long our county has not received our fair share of revenue generated right here in our backyard. … These additional resources will allow the commission to strengthen our community services and support projects that improve the lives of Washington County residents."
Taylor is on the ballot Nov. 3 for Ohio's 2nd Congressional District opposing Democrat Jen Mazzuckelli.
In other business, commissioners approved two memorandums of understanding with Ohio Valley Education Service Center and the Oriana House.
The agreement with OVESC will use funds from the county's One Ohio Opioids fund to support OVESC by providing a position within the 14 preschools in Washington County with Behavioral Health Board matching funds.
As part of the agreement with the Oriana House, commissioners will apply for funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for an Adult Treatment Court.
Commissioners also approved the transfer of Masonic Park Road to Muskingum Township. Discussion on the transfer began approximately a month ago.
Roger Wright, Washington County Engineer, said the transfer would allow for simplifying the process for residents obtaining permits "this will allow people who live out there to just go to the township, which is also the zoning board, and it'll be a little smoother operation for everybody out there."
Commissioners also approved the estimate for chip and seal on Masonic Park Lane, for $6,510. The estimate was provided by the Engineer's Office in September and would cover the materials for the project with labor and equipment donated by the office.
"I want to be clear,” Schilling said. “This is a one-time (project) for the county, to be able to provide (chip and seal) services out there. I feel like it's warranted because of how much heavy truck traffic we've had on that (road) over the last five years, considering the Devola Sewer Project."
Wright stated moving forward, the lane does not have a Road Use Maintenance Agreement in place, leaving any further maintenance up for debate.
He said given that it is a private road the cost of maintenance should fall to residents and entities who use the road.
"We have way too many (residents) on a private road with no idea who's supposed to maintain it," he said.
Commissioner Greg Nohe asked about the timeline for an agreement to be in place.
"Well, it's going to be voluntary. … We're in the position where we can send a letter to everybody (who lives on the private road). We can ask and basically state that we strongly feel that it needs to be a (RUMA) and try to come up with some terms,” Wright said.
He said the clarification on the county's position will assist him in writing the letter to establish a RUMA in the future.
Commissioners also approved five additional appropriations; County General Fund of $80,000 for an increase in the amount to the Ohio Public Defender contract and assign council fees, Engineer's Office Motor Vehicle Gas Tax fund of $23,000 for materials and road, and Capital Outlay of $10,826 for the Belpre Trail acquisition, Family and Children First Special Projects fund of $30,000 for contract services, program support, and administration, Child Support Enforcement Agency fund of $50,889 for legal services.
They also approved a recommendation to appoint Attorney Cameron Fouss to the Washington County Law Library Resources Board for the term expiring on Dec 31, 2031.
Commissioners approved a resolution recognizing the Fort Harmar Rifle Club's 100 year anniversary. The organization will host a 100 year celebration from 2-6 p.m. Oct. 24, at its outdoor range at 3120 Fifteen Mile Creek Road, Wingett Run.
Sophie Wheeler can be reached at swheeler@newsandsentinel.com.