The deadline for first half taxes has been moved back to March 2 this year with the second half due July 20.

“In the past it has been the last Friday in February and the last Friday would be the 24th,” County Treasurer Stephen Burcham said. “That would be the earliest it has been. By moving it to March 2 it would be easier on people. I thought it was a little easier for people in the economic situation we are in.”

As soon as the state department of taxation certifies the tax rate, bills will be sent out, Burcham told the county commissioners at its regular Thursday meeting.

A second possible proposal to buy up a series of county tax liens could add an additional $30,000 to the county funds, according to Burcham.

The county treasurer had a tax lien sale Monday that brought in just under $14,000 in back taxes on six properties that had been delinquent for at least a year. Earlier another individual had offered a tentative proposal to buy up $70,000 in tax liens.

The commissioners received notification from County Engineer Doug Cade about upcoming purchases his department will make in 2012. They include a dump truck with snowplow for $135,000; a foreman utility truck for $43,000 and two 15-ton equipment transport trailers for $17,000 each.

According to the Ohio Revised Code the engineer must notify the county commissioners about purchases to be made. All of the equipment will be paid for by the Motor Vehicle Gas Tax Fund.

In other action the commissioners:

• Approved Rolo Excavating and Contracting to demolish blighted structures on Township Road 1339, Burlington, and High Street, South Point;

• Authorized the purchase of a used police cruiser for the county 911 and EMS supervisor from Chesapeake Police Chief Dennis Gibson for $5,500;

• Hired Ashley Reeves and Cindy Garver as part-time paramedics for $10 an hour;

• Approved a contract between the commissioners and the Lawrence Economic Development Corp. for development and promotion of the county. The quarterly fee is $45,000.