# Belpre Trustee Pleads in Road-Repair Bid Case

Former Belpre Township trustee Curt Welch pleaded no contest to an unlawful-interest misdemeanor after voting in October 2023 to approve $33,816 for a road-repair project awarded to a company owned by his mother, where he also worked. The work had been completed without prior approval or required competitive bidding. The court ordered Welch to pay audit costs, a fine, and court costs, underscoring the legal and procurement risks of conflicts of interest and bypassing required purchasing procedures in local government.

- Local procurement officials should ensure conflicts are disclosed and affected officials recuse themselves from decisions involving a personal or family financial interest.
- The case illustrates the importance of obtaining required approvals and conducting competitive bidding before work begins, rather than seeking payment after completion.
- Contractors working with townships and other local governments should verify authorization and procurement steps before starting work; an award or payment approval may be challenged if required procedures were not followed.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- Belpre Township
- Ohio Auditor of State (AOS)
- Ohio Ethics Commission
- Washington County Common Pleas Court

### Sources
- [Press Releases](https://ohioauditor.gov/news/pressreleases/Details/7948) - OHIO