Harrison County commissioners approve mineral lease and funding for Hopedale projects

The Harrison County Board of Commissioners approved Lease Agreement 46-25 with EOG Resources Inc. of Oklahoma City during a recent meeting. The agreement, partially read into the record by Commissioner Dustin Corder, involves 5.89 acres in Washington Township and will remain in effect for five years, terminating Sept. 21, 2030.

The lease includes a provision stating that any delay caused by mining or mining-related activity “under any existing and effective lease, permit or authorization” will automatically extend the lease term without additional compensation.

EOG Resources will pay $5,000 per net mineral acre, for an estimated total of $29,475.

Commissioners also approved Agreement 47-25 with the village of Hopedale to provide financial assistance for the village’s storm sewer improvement project and the construction of a retaining wall on Carson Street. The county’s contribution is contingent upon the village securing an Ohio Public Works Commission grant and loan.

According to the agreement, county funding will not exceed $85,003 — $30,780 for the storm sewer project and $54,223 for the retaining wall.

In other business, Harrison County Humane Society President Cait Hullihen introduced Lara McCune as a new agent for the organization. Commissioner Amy Norris made a motion to approve the appointment, which passed unanimously. Hullihen was recently named president of the society.

“I would just like the community to know that we are here to help and to do what we can with the limited resources that we have,” Hullihen said in an earlier statement published Oct. 5 on YourOhioNews, the News-Herald website.

The board also approved Katie Norris to serve on the Public Transit Board.