STEUBENVILLE — Jefferson County Commissioners finalized the long-term deal they’d sought to keep the Social Security office in downtown Steubenville, the anchor tenant in their Tower building.

Commissioners signed the 10-year lease for the agency’s fourth-floor space this week. Previously, commissioners had said the government “will be paying a little over $14 per square foot for (the) office space, which would work out to upward of $85,000 per year in rent.”

Social Security moved into the Tower building in August 2022. Last year commissioners improved a parking lot across from the Tower building, primarily to accommodate the increased traffic generated by Social Security’s downtown presence.

Commissioner Eric Timmons pointed out the deal “has been in the works for a year…We’re talking close to $1 million in revenue coming in (over) 10 years for our space. I know Commissioner (Tony) Morelli fought hard for it, it’s great to see it done. It took a little longer than we wanted, but I think it’s a big deal.”

Morelli was also enthusiastic about the federal agency’s continued presence in Steubenville. `

“It’s good for the county,” Morelli said. “At the end of 10 years we’ll be at $1 million-plus revenue for the county. But more importantly, it’s good for our residents — they use it. If we hadn’t gotten them to come back here, residents would have had to drive to East Liverpool to do what they’re doing here. So, the money is really good but the benefit to residents is even better, in my opinion.”

Commissioners also approved a contract with Optimum Water Solutions, Pittsburgh, for two new, filtered water systems for the courthouse to replace non-working traditional fountains, considered obsolete. The commissioners will pay $84 monthly per unit, with Optimum responsible for all maintenance, service calls and parts.

They also signed a water line and temporary construction easement needed for the engineering department’s Bridge Replacement Project in Amsterdam.

Also approved were resolutions celebrating May as Mental Health Month, Foster Care Month, Fraud Awareness Month.

They also approved $100 in Memorial Day expenses for the Richmond Community Historical Society and tabled action on the Agricultural Society’s request for additional funding pending more information.