(Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection - Public Meeting- Council Meeting)

BELPRE — Belpre City Council approved several measures during its regular meeting Monday evening.

Council approved third readings on several measures. One was an ordinance establishing authorized manpower for Calendar Year 2026. The ordinance was amended prior to Monday’s reading at the request of the state auditor to reflect what is paid to non-union employees.

Another ordinance which received its third reading provides for the issuance and sale of bonds in the maximum principal amount of $965,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of acquiring real property to house personnel and functions of the city Water Department. This involves the city’s purchase of the former Badger Lumber Co. building.

Council also approved third reading of a resolution authorizing the Belpre Auditor to enter into an engagement letter with Squire Patton Boggs LLP to act as bond counsel for the city and third reading of an ordinance approving the edition and inclusion of certain ordinances as part of the various component codes of the codified ordinances of Belpre to bring the city’s codes up to date with changes since the last such update.

Council approved the second and third readings of a temporary appropriation ordinance for Calendar and Fiscal Year 2026.

Council approved the first reading of a resolution to allow the mayor to request that the Ohio Board of Building Standard certify the city for enforcement of the residential code to exercise enforcement authority and accept and approve plans and specification and make inspections.

Council also approved the first reading of a memorandum of understanding with the Washington County Commission’s Southeast Ohio Building Authority to conduct plumbing inspections.

In her report to council, Mayor Susan Abdella said the Belpre City Building will be closed on Friday as employees will be spending time with their families.

The Belpre Christmas Market will be open on Friday and Saturdays starting this Friday through Dec. 20. There will be a variety of vendors scheduled along with a carousel offering free rides.

Abdella said the Christmas Crawl will be held on Dec. 13, including breakfast with Santa at the fire station, the holiday lights parade and wraps up with a movie in the park.

Wayne Towner can be reached at wtowner@newsandsentinel.com