CLARKSBURG -- Harrison County commissioners started 2001 Tuesday by choosing a new president and swearing in one member to a new term.
After Roger Diaz took the oath of office for his second term, he and Thomas Keeley voted for fellow commissioner Beth Taylor to be the board's president.
Chief Judge John Marks administered the oath for both Diaz and Taylor.
This is the second time Taylor has served as president in her 10 years on the commission, she said.
During this term, Taylor says she expects to face at least two big challenges.
"First is finding a new use for our soon-to-be-vacated jail," she said.
The jail will close in mid-year when the North Central Regional Jail opens.
"Second, it is of utmost importance to the commission to continue the expansion of utilities into the county," Taylor said.
The vast majority of county residents still live in incorporated areas that are not served by public water and sewer, she said.
Also during Tuesday's meeting, commissioners administered the oath of office to the county's deputy assessors.
Staff writer Paul Darst can be reached at 626-1404 or by e-mail at pdarst@exponent-telegram.com.
