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 – but officials said the road won’t be easy.

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

Commissioner Chuck Probst said, “It’s going to be a tough year for Belmont County and I think everyone’s aware of that.”

The new team is set to tackle old problems, like areas needing water. Other priorities are growing problems, like the economy.

Favede said it will take leverage from one project to the next to really make accomplishments.

“We’re going to work on multiple projects at once, always keeping the front and back burners going, if you will,” she said. “That lessens our cost and increases our ability to accomplish it.”

The commissioners said they want residents and local department heads at every meeting to help get the county on track. They said they plan to keep their meetings on Wednesdays.

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