GALLIPOLIS - Gallia County Commissioners approved a change in life insurance coverage for county employees from Met Life to Medical Mutual during Thursday's regular meeting, their last of 2007.

The change will be effective in February 2008. The coverage total quote will be provided to the commissioners next week.

The annual contract between the sheriff's department and the Gallia-Jackson-Meigs-Vinton Solid Waste Management District for the environmental enforcement officer in 2008 was presented by sheriff's Capt. John Perry. It was moved to sign the

contract, pending the consent of the prosecuting attorney's office.

Perry also requested the ability to apply through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for a 2008 Marine Patrol Assistance Grant in the amount of $37,560 with a 25 percent match, and received consent to apply.

County Administrator Karen Sprague presented a draft letter informing township trustees and clerks of the allowance of $4,000 for each township out of the general fund for 2008. Commissioners approved the allocation.

Trustees and clerks will meet Friday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Gallia County Senior Resource Center.

Department of Jobs and Family Services Director Dana Glassburn requested and received consent for the promotion of Belinda Burnett to clerical specialist #21000.5, beginning Dec. 31.

Richard Stephens, Ohio State University Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources for Gallia County, was appointed to the vacancy left by Becky Nesbitt on the Southern Ohio Agricultural and Community Development Foundation (SOACDF) county review committee.

During the week ending Dec. 23, the Animal Shelter reported one animal adoption, 24 euthanizations and four rescues.