Published on 07/02/2025
IT IS TIME TO STEP UP. YOUR CITY NEEDS YOU.
This November, our city will elect Ward Council Members — the individuals who represent your neighborhood and vote on the decisions that impact your everyday life. With August being the deadline to file with the Board of Elections, this is your moment to help shape the future of St. Clairsville.
Serving on the City Council is one of the most direct ways residents can make a difference. Each term is a chance to bring fresh ideas, new energy, and renewed dedication to the issues that matter most to your neighbors. If you’re passionate about improving city services, supporting local growth, and helping guide public policy, now is the time to step forward.
What Does a Council Member Do?
Approve city budgets, contracts, and purchases
Help decide city policies and legislation
Oversee infrastructure, utilities, safety services, and more
Serve as a direct voice for the residents of their ward
Attend meetings and workshops to stay informed on city operations
Participate in state-mandated public official training programs
Engage with department heads and city employees to understand day-to-day needs and challenges
This isn’t just a title, it’s a responsibility to act in the public’s best interest with transparency, thoughtfulness, and accountability. The most effective council members stay involved, informed, and proactive — not just during meetings, but throughout the year.
To file to be on the ballot for St. Clairsville City Council in the upcoming 2025 general election, the Ohio Secretary of State’s website says the deadline to file a nominating petition for nonpartisan municipal offices is 4 p.m. on August 6, 2025, which is 90 days before the general election.
Here are some additional details:
- Petition Form: You will need to use Form 3-O: Nominating Petition – Nonpartisan Office – Municipalities. https://www.ohiosos.gov/globalassets/elections/forms/3-o.pdf
- Signature Requirement: You will need to obtain 50 valid signatures on your petition.
- Filing Fee: The filing fee for a city office is $45.
- Where to File: You must file the petition with the appropriate county board of elections office, which for St. Clairsville is the Belmont County Board of Elections. The Belmont County Board of Elections website recommends visiting their office to pick up a petition packet and have staff review it with you.
Published on 12/27/2024
City crews will begin picking up live Christmas trees that may need to be disposed of starting on Monday, January 13 through Friday, January 17. Residents will need to get their tree to the curb for the City crews to retrieve as they pass through the neighborhoods. Any questions or if you are need a late pick-up, feel free call the municipal office, 740-695-1324.
If residents wish to get rid of their live Christmas trees in the short run, the Belmont Soil & Water Conservation District (BSWCD) office is accepting the trees for use in wildlife habitats. Trees can be dropped at the BSWCD office which is located at 45422 Roscoe Rd. Suite B, St. Clairsville, OH 43950. The cut off date for this service is January 26th. Events — Belmont SWCD
Published on 09/21/2023
PRESS RELEASE
TO: MEDIA AND RESIDENTS
FROM: CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT JIM VELAS
SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
The City Council will have a Special Council Meeting to consider the AFSCME Union Contract next Monday, September 25, at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building’s Council Chambers (100 North Market Street). No other topics will be discussed at this Special Meeting.
Members of the public are invited to attend.
If questions during normal business hours on Monday through Friday (8:30 A. M. – 4:30 P. M.), please call 740-695-1324 to speak with the Council Clerk, Jacob DeBertrand.
Published on
PRESS RELEASE
TO: MEDIA AND RESIDENTS
FROM: CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT JIM VELAS
SUBJECT: COUNCIL DORA COMMITTEE MEETING
DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
The City Council Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) Committee will meet on Tuesday, October 17, at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building’s Council Chambers (100 North Market Street). This committee will study the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) concept concerning existing City ordinances and local qualifications. The Ohio
General Assembly amended the Ohio Revised Code (Section 4301.82), effective March 23, 2022, to create this exemption from specific open container provisions. Members of the public are invited to attend.
If questions during normal business hours on Monday through Friday (8:30 A. M. – 4:30 P. M.), please call 740-695-1324 to speak with the Council Clerk, Jacob DeBertrand.
Published on 08/18/2023
PRESS RELEASE
TO: MEDIA AND RESIDENTS
FROM: CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT JIM VELAS
SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATED OUTDOOR REFRESHMENT AREA (DORA) STUDY COMMITTEE
DATE: AUGUST 18, 2023
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
The new City Council Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) Study Committee will meet next Wednesday, August 23, at 6 P. M. in the Municipal Building’s Council Chamber (100 North Market Street). This committee will study the concept of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in relation to existing City ordinances and local qualifications. The Ohio General Assembly amended the Ohio Revised Code (Section 4301.82), effective on March 23, 2022, to create this exemption from certain open container provisions.
Members of the public are invited to attend this meeting.
If questions during normal business hours on Monday through Friday (8:30 A. M. – 4:30 P. M.), please call 740-695-1324 to speak with the Council Clerk, Jacob DeBertrand.
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Published on
PRESS RELEASE
TO: MEDIA AND RESIDENTS
FROM: CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT JIM VELAS
SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE
DATE: AUGUST 18, 2023
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
The City Council Buildings & Grounds Committee will meet next Tuesday, August 22, at 6 P. M. in the Municipal Building’s Conference Room (100 North Market Street). This meeting with include Jr. Sports representatives.
Members of the public are invited to attend.
If questions during normal business hours on Monday through Friday (8:30 A. M. – 4:30 P. M.), please call 740-695-1324 to speak with the Council Clerk, Jacob DeBertrand.
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Published on 08/04/2023
PRESS RELEASE
TO: Media and Public
FROM: Mayor Kathryn Thalman and City Council President Jim Velas
DATE: August 4, 2023
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
__________________________________________________________________________________________
A Special Meeting of the City Council will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Noon (12 P.M.) This meeting will be conducted in the City Council Chamber on the second floor of the City’s Municipal Building (100 North Market Street).
There is one agenda item for the August 8 Special Meeting of the City Council:
- additional legislation to authorize the placement of the police renewal levy on the ballot in the November general election for voters’ consideration.
No other topics will be discussed.
Mayor Thalman and Council President Velas encourage residents to attend and be informed. If questions, please call City Council President Jim Velas on 740-695-9152.
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PRESS RELEASE_Special Meeting of StC City Council_Aug 8 2023_Aug 4 2023
Published on 07/30/2023
PRESS RELEASE
TO: Media and Public
FROM: Mayor Kathryn Thalman and City Council President Jim Velas
DATE: July 28, 2023
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
__________________________________________________________________________________________
A Special Meeting of the City Council will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 7:00 P.M. This meeting will be conducted in the City Council Chamber on the second floor of the City’s Municipal Building (100 North Market Street).
There is one agenda item for the August 2 Special Meeting of the City Council:
- discussion and adoption of the legislation (Resolution Number 2023-23)to authorize the police levy renewal to be placed on the ballot in the November general election for voters’ consideration.
No other topics will be discussed.
Mayor Thalman and Council President Velas encourage residents to attend and be informed. If questions, please call City Council President Jim Velas on 740-695-9152.
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Published on 07/13/2023
PRESS RELEASE
TO: MEDIA AND RESIDENTS
FROM: CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT JIM VELAS
SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE
DATE: JULY 13, 2023
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
The City Council Buildings & Grounds Committee will meet next Tuesday, July 18, at 3 P. M. in the Municipal Building’s Conference Room (100 North Market Street). Members of the public are invited to attend.
If questions during normal business hours on Monday through Friday (8:30 A. M. – 4:30 P. M.), please call 740-695-1324 to speak with the Council Clerk, Jacob DeBertrand.
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Published on 05/17/2023
PRESS RELEASE
TO: MEDIA AND RESIDENTS
FROM: CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT JIM VELAS
SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE
DATE: MAY 17, 2023
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
The City Council Buildings & Grounds Committee will meet next Wednesday, May 24, at 3 P. M. in the Municipal Building’s Council Chamber (100 North Market Street). Members of the public are invited to attend.
If questions during normal business hours on Monday through Friday (8:30 A. M. – 4:30 P. M.), please call 740-695-1324 to speak with the Council Clerk, Jacob DeBertrand.
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