Belmont County outlines $1 million tax-exempt reimbursement plan for Courthouse Plaza improvements

The Belmont County Board of Commissioners on April 1 adopted a resolution declaring the county—xpects to reimburse up to $1,000,000 in capital expenditures for improvements to the Courthouse Plaza with proceeds from future tax-exempt borrowing. The resolution was adopted unanimously and took effect immediately.

The declaration cites Treasury Regulation —7 1.150-2 and states the county—xpects reimbursement allocations no later than 18 months after payment (with certain circumstances extending to three years). The resolution lists expected work to be reimbursed, including redevelopment of the Courthouse Plaza and steps on East Main Street, upgraded bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, ADA accessibility improvements, improved access to services and historic sites, concrete walks and steps, retaining walls, drainage upgrades, landscaping, lighting upgrades and pavement markings.

The board also approved Pay Application No. 13 to Grae-Con Construction, Inc. for the Belmont County Health and Records Building in the amount of $168,620.11 on the recommendation of the project architect, Mills Group. That payment and ongoing capital work were discussed alongside the reimbursement resolution during the meeting.

Commission President Jerry Echemann moved the resolution; Commissioner Vince Gianangeli seconded it, and the roll call vote was unanimous. The resolution records that the county oes not expect other funds to be reserved or set aside for these expenditures and describes the legal definitions and timelines required by the Reimbursement Regulations.

Next steps include any formal issuance of tax-exempt obligations and the subsequent allocation of proceeds to reimburse eligible prior expenditures as described in the resolution.