For the first time, the new Belmont County Board of Commissioners met to hear from the public and set a priority list.

The commission is now comprised of newcomer Matt Coffland, Ginny Favede and veteran Chuck Probst.

Job creation is a priority, as well as proper water and sewage systems.

The commissioners will also have to set a budget for 2009 and determine how county departments will stick to 10 percent budget cuts.

Many department heads attended the meeting, including economic development director Larry Merry.

"Priority no. 1 has to be jobs, jobs, jobs. If you don't have a job, it's a pretty big struggle in this world,” Merry said.

Favede said the commissioners understand there is much work to do, and said leverage will be increasingly important this year, especially when it comes to saving money.

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