North Township takes no action on Scio annexation

By JD LONG (jim@harrisonnewsherald.com)

SCIO—A Sept. 20 deadline is looming for the Harrison County commissioners' decision on Scio's bid to annex more than 700 acres of land (including the Williams, Utica East Ohio plant). But North Township trustees revealed Wednesday that they had elected not to take action on Scio's offer to include the township in any potential annexation revenue. At the August meeting, Scio passed Ordinance 2021-006 and cemented their promise to include the township, which isn't a prerequisite for annexation. But as mentioned, the township has taken no action, and Scio's village administrator Jason Tubaugh credited that decision to the township's attorney, John Albers, who had made the recommendation. Albers was reached Thursday, and he referenced remarks made at Aug. 20's public hearing — ones that had county commissioners imploring a meeting between Scio, North Township trustees, and Utica East Ohio to iron out their differences. "So, we were waiting to see if that is going to happen as requested by the county commissioners," Albers explained his recommendation to the trustees. "We were under the impression that some kind of mediation would occur or would be convened, and so we have been in contact with Utica East to the term of whether or not that mediation is going to occur." Albers stated he'd heard Utica East and at least one county official had been in contact but attempts to reach Joseph Miller (attorney for Utica) were unsuccessful. And attempts to reach North Township trustees Travis Albaugh and Dan Henry were also unsuccessful. Trustee Paul Trushell confirmed Albers' recommendation of no action until further notice, but Trushell said he had heard nothing since. He added that they were still open to Scio's offer, however. Harrison County Commissioner Paul Coffland gave a statement early Thursday stating he had also heard of attempts to get a meeting together, but he could not offer an update on the matter. "The commissioners would not be involved in those meetings," Coffland explained. "The 30-day clock started with the hearing. The lawyers would have to answer if the process can stop at this point. I don't know. I would like to see all parties come to an agreement. Remember, the commissioners are not deciding on anything other than the facts as presented. If the criteria is met, then the annexation can occur."