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Court Change Saves Money

Declining population and economic restructuring during the past few decades have forced many local officials in East Ohio to rethink how they deliver services to constituents. Increasingly, some county commissioners are considering consolidation of county courts.

In Belmont County, where the population has declined by 15,000 people since 1980, the change is becoming a reality.

Belmont County currently is served by three court divisions. One is in St. Clairsville, with the other two in Bellaire. They are the Northern, Eastern and Western Divisions.

Last week, county commissioners discussed consolidating all three court divisions in a county-owned complex just east of St. Clairsville. Formerly owned by The Health Plan, the complex already is home to some county offices.

Commissioners last week reviewed bids to renovate one of the complex’s two buildings to house the courts. It is a big project; the low bid, from Colaianni Construction of Dillonvale, was $6,284,500. Commissioners accepted it.

Work on the new home for Belmont County courts may be completed in about nine months.

No doubt, commissioners will hear some complaints from residents of the riverfront area, who will have to travel to St. Clairsville to handle court matters.

But, again, much has changed since the multi-location court system seemed appropriate. For one thing, Interstate 70 makes getting to St. Clairsville easier.

And consolidating the courts should save the county — and thus, taxpayers — some money by avoiding duplication of certain expenses.

Commissioners were right to make the change. It should not result in much inconvenience for the public and it will save taxpayers money that can be put to use addressing other pressing needs for Belmont Countians.

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