Washington County Engineer Roger Wright provided updates on the Devola Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project for the Washington County Commission during its regular meeting Thursday. The project is expected to be completed in the next 6 months with 39 tanks left to install.

Wright said that they’ve had to make a lot of adjustments throughout the installation process with some tanks being installed up to 125 feet from the residence scheduled for installation.

“Folks sometimes want the tank all the way in the back corner of the property, sometimes the tank is located in the back corner of the property and ends up being 25, 50, 75, or 100 feet away.”

Wright will be working closely with the Washington County Clerk Ben Cowdery in case of change orders to adjust contract amounts or take out a loan.

“We’ve now maximized those loan funds and if we need more money, which I’m not sure we will, we’ll need to get a second one,” said Wright. “For now we brought in about $500,000 to reimburse some of the grant funds that we spent.”

Wright said that they’ll be starting on the last street schedule for improvements, Sylvan St., soon and the hardest part about installation will be the uneven geography of the area.

“Welcome to Washington County where the hills are abundant,” said Commissioner Charlie Schilling.

The Devola Project began installation in February of 2024 and Wright said working with the homeowners has been pleasant during the process.

The meeting also included the approval of the liquor transfer from Oak Grove Partners LLC to Wilky’s on the Water LLC, which has been closed for about 16 months. Wilky’s will be opening at their new location at 860 Muskingum River Road.

“Normally we’d table this for public comment but I think in the sense of a speedy transfer, this isn’t a new permit, I suggest it’s something we approve today,” said Schilling.

Commissioners Schilling and James Booth both agreed that it would be nice to have the sports bar open again.

Colonel Brian Rhodes, with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, wanted to recognize the passing of Stephen Baumgard, a dispatcher for the Ohio State Highway Patrol with over 24 total years of service to the community.

Rhodes said Baumgard was a United States Air Force veteran and also served in the municipal courts.

“Keep his family in your prayers,” said Rhodes.

After receiving concerns about bids, Booth wanted to make a statement about the process the commissioners take to review bids.

“This board cannot favor one person or any company, we abide by the Ohio Revised Code,” said Booth. “It is the duty of the vendor to research, submit, and then follow through all of the bids.”

Booth said that they will not reach out to a vendor and walk them through the process because that is exhibiting favor towards a company. He said “it is not our duty to lead somebody through the bid process.”