From left, Washington County Clerk Ben Cowdery, Commissioners Charlie Schilling, Eddie Place, and Greg Nohe during the regular Washington County Commission meeting Thursday. The commissioners listen during the public comment portion of the meeting. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

MARIETTA — The Devola Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project has officially reached full completion, according to Washington County Engineer Roger Wright. The announcement was made during the weekly Washington County Commissioner meeting Thursday.

“All of the yards in Devola are now fully restored as of today,” said Wright. “Today will be the last day that the contractor will be on-site.”

After more than 15 years of work, the project concluded and homeowners are tasked with the responsibility of maintaining their lawns.

Wright said after the tanks were installed they worked on developing the existing grass and working on building up the topsoil.

“It’s up to them (the residents) at this point to mow and maintain and I would suggest water in order to allow the grass to survive,” he said. “There’s no intention of going back to the Devola area with a contractor to do any other sort of yard remediation after this.”

Commissioner Charlie Schilling said the board of commissioners would look into any existing problem areas in Devola if situations were to arise.

“I think it’s important for us to understand the inventory of the yards and if there’s anything that we can do to assist the homeowners,” he said.

The commissioners approved a letter of support for the Washington County Career Center to go after a grant opportunity through the Appalachian Regional Commission. The grant totals around $2 million.

“The project represents a significant investment in the future of Washington County by allowing the Washington County Career Center to expand and modernize five critical workforce training programs,” said Schilling.

The grant would go toward funding programs like welding, electricity, ventilation, commercial driver’s licenses, and more.

“I feel like it’s important for us to support our career center in any way, shape, or form because they know how to adapt to our local industry and some of the needs when it comes to workforce qualifications,” he said.

The commissioners also approved for the renewal levy to continue county-wide 911 emergency operations to appear in the upcoming general election in November. The renewal levy is existing money and would remain on the tax list if passed.

The renewal levy is at a rate of .35 of one mill for a period of five years beginning in 2026 and first collected in 2027.

The purpose of the renewal levy is to continue the 911 emergency system operations within the county. Schilling said the renewal levy generates around $530,000 per year.

In regard to ballot levies and economic development, Schilling said bringing development into the area, such as the Waterford data center project, would increase county general fund revenue, which could then support county initiatives and existing levies.

“Being able to fund these things through the county general because our revenues are increasing (due to) economic development,” he said. “These are the things that we need to start recognizing and understanding, how it impacts and affects all of our residents and the ways that we can help reduce that tax.”

Schilling said development such as the data center project would bring in revenue to support programs such as 911 centers, behavioral health services, and more.

The commissioners also approved resolutions for the America 250 4th of July community picnic at the Washington County Fairgrounds and the Beverly Waterford Homecoming events.

There will be a community picnic following the parade that has been scheduled until 2 p.m. Saturday. The picnic is free for guests with a menu including hamburgers, hot dogs, side dishes, corn, and apple pie.

The picnic is hosted by AMVETS Post 1788, DAV Chapter 52, and Elks Lodge 477.

Beverly Waterford Homecoming will be through July 4 and packed with activities. There will be a garden tractor pull and live music Friday.

On Saturday, guests can enjoy a homecoming pageant, pie contests, free rides, tractor pulls, hot dog eating contests, and live music.

The homecoming will conclude with fireworks July 4.

“Please be safe and enjoy the time with your family and friends,” said Commissioner Greg Nohe. “Please remember what our founding fathers did for us because we do live in the greatest country in the world.”

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com