By Cara Host, Staff writer

chost@observer-reporter.com

WAYNESBURG - County commissioners want to lease gas and oil rights on several county properties, but they don't want to see companies set up drilling rigs in the middle of the Greene County Fairgrounds.

At the meeting Thursday, commissioners directed Chief Clerk Gene Lee and solicitor Farley Toothman to look into the possibility of gas leasing, as long as the county does not have to relinquish its rights to any part of the surface.

Several drilling companies have expressed interest in the natural gas deposits under county-owned properties in Franklin Township. Without access to the surface, the companies would have to use horizontal drilling to extract the gas.

"It's a test. We'll see if there's anyone interested. It would be very hard for us to do this otherwise," said Commissioner Pam Snyder.

The county is willing to lease the gas and oil rights under the airport, fairgrounds and former Curry Home, among other properties.

In other business, commissioners:

n Approved a Web hosting agreement with Vision Appraisal Technology, who will host assessment records on a fee-based Web site for $4,000 a year. The county was previously paying $7,200 a year to another company.

n Approved $170,068.57 in change orders for the White Bridge renovation. The covered bridge was finished two months ago, but construction crews had to add wood, steel and other materials to the bridge near Garards Fort. The changes brought the total cost to $855,616.62, which is funded entirely through the state Department of Transportation.

n Awarded two grants to local fire companies. Greensboro-Monongahela Volunteer Fire Company will receive $3,000 for general operating expenses, and Center Township Volunteer Fire Company will receive $3,000 for new firefighter gear.

At the salary board meeting Thursday, several personnel moves were finalized.

Lucas Peterson was hired as a housing specialist in economic development. He will be paid $33,000 a year.

Also hired was Donald J. Parker Sr. as deputy sheriff at a rate of $8 an hour. Five people, Dan Johnson, Judy Davis, Tracy Orr, Antonia Pantalo and Angela Romanakis were hired as casual corrections officers at the jail. They will be paid $75 a day.

The board promoted Jeffrey Blake to full-time corrections officer at $12.02 an hour and Rick Eitner and Chad Hixenbaugh to full-time 911 telecommunications officers at $11.37 and $10.98 an hour, respectively.

The board transferred Terri Litten from full-time to casual corrections officer and changed the status of Brian Ratica in economic development from full time to part time.

The board accepted the resignation of Stacy Brown, caseworker in human services.

Home