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Dates to remember:
¯ Finance committee meeting, 10 a.m. Tuesday, courthouse.
¯ Regular business meeting of the board of commissioners, 9 a.m. Thursday, 1115 Gilman Ave.
Source: Washington County Commission Clerk.
A special prosecutor may soon be appointed to handle misdemeanor animal cruelty and neglect cases.
Washington County Sheriff's Sgt. Kelly McGilton and board members of the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley met with Washington County Commissioners after their regular business meeting Thursday morning.
McGilton said there has been conversations about possibly appointing Jeff Holland of Medina County as the special prosecutor to help push cases forward.
"They are specialized and there's a lot that goes into them," she explained. "We always would appreciate someone who is an expert in the field."
McGilton noted this isn't unusual, as she's seen special prosecutors used in other counties.
Jim Raney, HSOV board secretary, said someone would need to pay if the prosecutor would need to visit Washington County, including any hotel, travel and per diem fees.
McGilton explained to the commissioners they wouldn't need to pay for the appointment.
"The sheriff is willing to take on anything associated with the special prosecutor and all his fees," she said. "It wouldn't have to come from commissioners."
McGilton said she spoke with the Washington County Prosecutor's Office and they said it would be helpful. Most of the meetings and hearings would be through Zoom and Holland would only be needed for bigger cases, such as those with evidence animals.
Sheriff Larry Mincks said money used to pay for Holland's fees would probably come out of the dog and kennel fund, but nothing is set in stone yet.
"It's not a done deal," he said. "We've not met with the special prosecutor and we don't know what his rates are. It's in the preliminary stages."
Mincks said a meeting with McGilton and Chief Deputy Mark Warden would be set up in the next few days to discuss the issue.
In other commission business, Washington County Engineer Roger Wright said the right of way agreements with Heritage Land Services for the Devola sewer project are still being worked on. Questions have arisen regarding deaths and divorces when it comes to who signs the agreements.
Commission President Kevin Ritter said they have received agreements from 30 to 35 percent of the homeowners so far.
Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.