The Washington County Commission discussed in Thursday’s meeting the bids for the cafe space at the county courthouse. Jeremiah’s Coffee House was approved by two of the commissioners to obtain that space for business. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

MARIETTA — The Washington County Commission discussed bids from two local coffee shops to obtain the cafe space at the county courthouse.

Proposals were opened a few weeks ago and the commissioners met Thursday to approve the final bid.

The first bid was from Jeremiah’s Coffee House which is located at 165 Front St., Marietta, and offered $500 a month for the space.

Located a few minutes down the road at 130 West 4 ½ St., Williamstown, is The Bakery and Coffeehouse which offered the same bid price.

“I feel like both of them would provide a really good service for the courthouse but in my eyes it really comes down to one thing,” said Commissioner Charlie Schilling. “One of them is a local company here in Marietta and the other is from Williamstown.”

The commissioners went back and forth sharing their thoughts on the bids. The commissioners all agreed that both companies were properly licensed and well established and presented a favorable breakfast and lunch menu.

“I know they’re farmers, business owners, and taxpayers here in our county so I feel that we have to stick with our own and support our local business,” said Commissioner Eddie Place referring to the owners of Jeremiah’s Coffee House.

Commissioner James Booth stated that he recently visited both businesses to get a better feel for the atmosphere and what they each had to offer.

Booth said he took a few things into consideration and it wasn’t about the money or the business itself. He found that The Bakery and Coffeehouse had a few options such as online ordering and to-go lunches that he felt would be beneficial at the courthouse.

“I didn’t draw that state line in-between the two and The Bakery and Coffeehouse has been in Marietta and wants to be back in Marietta and that’s bringing in another business,” said Booth.

Place said that as a commissioner he felt that they are elected to take care of their counties and stand with their local businesses.

Booth made a motion to select the bid from The Bakery and Coffeehouse which wasn’t seconded.

Place then made a motion to approve the bid from Jeremiah’s Coffee House which was seconded by Schilling.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com