Belpre extends moratorium on addiction treatment facilities

BELPRE – The city of Belpre has extended its moratorium on substance use facilities for another year following Monday night's Belpre City Council meeting.

Council unanimously approved all three readings of an ordinance extending the moratorium on the establishment of inpatient and outpatient addiction facilities, including sober living homes and recovery homes in Belpre.

A six-month moratorium was approved in March and the new ordinance extends it for one year, through Sept. 24, 2025.

Council also approved the second reading of a resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the county auditor. The third reading will be held at a future council meeting.

During her mayor's report, Mayor Susan Abdella welcomed and conducted a swearing-in for new Belpre Police Patrolman Olivia Alloway, who brings with her two years of experience.

Abdella also read a proclamation for the GFWC Belpre Women's Club and Canine Companions recognizing September as National Service Dog Month.

Regarding the city's lead service lines, Abdella said the city water department is working on a schedule for a door to door campaign to complete the needed surveys for the community by the Oct. 16 deadline.

"We will post the dates when they are confirmed. Staff participating will be identified with a name badge. They will assist homeowners with the process of identifying lead lines," she said.

A community meeting was held last week at the city building. Structure Point, the engineering firm working on the city's park improvement plan, accepted public input on the park improvement plan.

"The discussion produced many wonderful and creative ideas for our community. I will keep everyone up to date as the process continues," Abdella said.

Some committee meetings are scheduled in the future. The Rules Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16. The Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14. The Finance Committee will meet at 6:15 p.m. Oct. 20.