Two state agencies essentially turned their proverbial backs on the Lawrence County Commissioners’ effort to recover more than $300,000 from two other counties, a setback that has simply strengthened the resolve to do the right thing.

The county continues to weigh its options on ways to collect the money they believe a state audit report shows that the now-defunct Southeast Ohio Emergency Medical Services owes Lawrence County taxpayers for subsidizing ambulance services in those counties.

And the commissioners are right on target.

Prosecuting Attorney J.B. Collier, Jr. initially said he could not help because it would be a conflict of interest. The county then asked Auditor of State Dave Yost and Attorney General Mike DeWine for assistance.

Although neither elected official was willing and/or able to assist in the collections efforts, the commissioners believe those agencies have affirmed that the county has a legitimate claim.

Now the commissioners are asking Collier to reconsider his position not to get involved, something we certainly hope he does.

It is difficult to see how this would be a conflict of interest. In fact, this — serving Lawrence County citizens in a smart and productive manner — is exactly what he was elected for.

Elected officials in Jackson and Athens can try to shirk their responsibilities all they want. If their taxpayers won’t hold them accountable, then maybe ours can.