Local News

Washington County Commissioners approve MOU with FCF, SeOPA President introduced

MARIETTA - Washington County Commissioners approved an MOU with Family and Children First, released a statement on the 2026 County Budget and a new Southeastern Ohio Port Authority President and CEO was introduced at Thursday’s regular meeting.

The moratorium of understanding establishes the relationship between Washington County Family and Children First Council, Family Visitation Center Coalition and the Visitation Center Coordinator regarding the development, oversight, operation, funding and the sustainability of the Family Visitation Center.

Cindy Davis, director of WCFCFC, said, "We've been asked to take over the visitation center that used to be under Eve (Inc.). In doing so, we put together a coalition because we want other partners involved in that too so we can all share in the design. The MOU is just stating that we will be partnering with the coalition. George (Goddard, treasurer of WCFCFC) is one of those members, as well as Judge (John M.) Halliday, who's putting some funding into it."

Commissioner Charlie Schilling read a release from commissioners regarding the County Budget for 2026.

In the release he said, "Washington County Board of Commissioners are committed to building a stronger Washington County - one where business can invest with confidence, working families can prosper and every resident can enjoy the quality of life that makes our county such a special place to call home."

According to the release, the County Budget is anticipated to close fiscal year '26 with a surplus of $1 million.

During public comment, Executive Board Member Tom Webster introduced Eric Wade as the President and CEO of the SeOPA.

Wade said, "(SeOPA) has a lot of good things going on in the county right now, a lot of positives that we're going to keep pressing forward on. Long term, I think that it's appropriate to say that our vision still is a stronger Washington County. Bringing new jobs, strengthening our current employees, and increasing housing stock, better infrastructure, better utilities, just being a better partner, and a good component arm of the county. We're looking forward to the relationship."

Sheriff Mark Warden said the Washington County Jail achieved 100% compliance with zero deficiencies during its annual state inspection by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's Bureau of Adult Detention.

Warden also said during a recent Barlow/Vincent Community meeting there was discussion surrounding flock cameras.

"It was a really good conversation I had with the public in regards to that because I (have) a decision to make here soon about a renewal with those cameras in November. I reached out to the public to get some input from them. It's their taxpayer dollars that we're spending on that," Warden said.

Warden was not immediately available for additional comments.

Former Washington County Commissioner James Booth was in town visiting family and visited his old stomping grounds.

Since his resignation, Booth and his family moved to Florida and he has pursued a career in law enforcement with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.

Booth said while he has moved on to his next career, he still pays attention to Washington County.

"My family lives here, so I pay attention and I was curious to see the commissioners."

In other business, commissioners established a new fund for the Engineer's Office for the Union Covered Bridge.

Schilling said, "We need to establish a new find whenever we're going after and working through state and federal grants to achieve funding for that project."

Commissioners also approved five additional appropriations; County General of $100,000 for Municipal Court Software, Washington County Jail of $25,000 for inmate medical, County Auditor of $700 for real estate supplies, Engineer's Office of $467,942.63 for the Pump Station Project Phase Two, and Common Pleas Court of $50,000 for T-CAP salaries and $10,000 for CBCP-PSI salaries.

Sophie Wheeler can be reached at swheeler@newsandsentinel.com.