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MARIETTA — The Washington County Commission met to approve the proceeding of the replacement tax for the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities on Thursday.

The replacement levy is at a rate of 3.60-mills for each $1 of taxable value in excess of the ten-mill limitation.

“It’s a replacement so we’re not asking for any additional millage and I”m proud to say that we haven’t been on the ballot in 22 years,” said WCBDD Superintendent Tiffany Neill. “We’re essentially working on old valuations and working up to new valuations to continue doing the work that we do.”

Commissioner Charlie Schilling said the work of the board has made a large impact on the community and individuals in the county. The replacement levy was approved to proceed and will be reviewed by the Washington County Board of Elections before making it to the ballot for the Nov. 4 general election.

The commissioners also approved permission for the Washington County Wastewater Department to apply for the Bureau of Workers Compensation Safety Intervention Grant. The grant will cover 75% of the purchase cost of equipment.

“We’re trying to get them (Wastewater Department) a forklift,” said Washington County HR Director Diane Davis. “We’ve been working on this for several years.”

With the help of Philip Schaffer from the Grant Department, the grant will allow for the purchase of the necessary equipment.

The commissioners also approved the usual travel expenses for Children Services which required representatives to be present at various conferences across the state.

Sheriff Mark Warden gave a quick overview about the status and current population in the county jail. He said that it’s been pretty steady.

The commissioners also approved the $16,218.88 invoice for CORSA vehicle insurance.

“We’d like to use the motor vehicle gas tax solely and exclusively for roads and bridges and infrastructure,” said County Engineer Roger Wright.

In 2010, the Engineer’s Office began requesting for the premium to be paid by the commissioners with 1% sales tax funds due to the removal of allocated funds which left the engineers with no money received from the motor vehicle and gas tax. Wright requested the premium be paid so they could continue fixing the highways.

Schilling said they aren’t required to pay this but they are statutorily allowed to and he doesn’t have a problem paying it.

“It’s a small amount in the big scheme of things,” said Schilling.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com.