Ohio County declares emergency and thanks community for crisis response

The Ohio County Fiscal Court convened on March 22, 2025, to address several pressing issues, primarily focusing on the recent water crisis that affected the community over the weekend. The meeting began with acknowledgments of the efforts made by various departments and community members during the water outage.

The court's chair expressed gratitude to the water department, fire departments, and local organizations for their rapid response and support. Notably, the Ohio County Wellness Center and county parks opened their facilities to provide showers for residents affected by the water outage. The chair highlighted the collaborative efforts of the sheriff's department and local businesses that contributed to the community's needs during this challenging time.

The chair reported that the water supply had been restored, although it was noted that there had been another minor break in the system that was quickly addressed. The court discussed the declaration of a state of emergency, which was made on Saturday morning. This declaration was primarily a precautionary measure, allowing the county to apply for potential financial assistance if necessary, although the situation did not escalate to that level.

In light of the community's response, the court proposed a motion to reimburse the Ohio County Wellness Center $1,000 for the costs incurred while providing public shower facilities. The motion emphasized the importance of acknowledging the center's role in supporting citizens during the water crisis. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by a roll call vote.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the community's resilience and the importance of continued collaboration among local agencies and organizations to address future challenges. The court plans to monitor the water system closely as repairs continue and to remain prepared for any further issues that may arise.