Fewer people are unemployed in Jefferson County compared to last fall, according to county commissioners.

Some residents said the job growth isn't very evident, but commissioners said more than 1,000 jobs have been added.

"Well, it's really been good to see. We haven't seen this kind of growth in a long time in Jefferson County. A lot of it has to do with the oil and gas industry," said Commissioner Tom Graham.

In addition to jobs, tax revenue is up 14 percent, which means people are spending.

"It does allow us to do more things in terms of road improvements, county roads, recreation areas as well. So it gives us more money to help other communities that don't have the money," Graham said.

In the meantime, he said the land at the Jefferson County Industrial Park is filling up with businesses.

"We're in the process of negotiations with a couple of companies. There's 10 acres and 5 acres. They are going to be creating at least 75 to 100 jobs out there each, so we're looking forward to that as well," he said, adding that the county hopes to close those deals soon.

Ronald Blanchard, of Steubenville, said, "I feel that we need more jobs coming to the county. It would help the county out a lot and certainly the people."

Graham said the companies interested in the industrial park are also affiliated with oil and gas industries, but officials are not releasing the companies' names until the deals are finalized.

Charles Ward, of Toronto, said, "I hope it does something -- brings the taxes down, brings the prices of houses back up -- so we can make some money."

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