WARREN — Trumbull County commissioners voted 2-1 Wednesday to join a gas aggregation program being pushed by the County Commissioners Association of Ohio that will cost households participating in the program an estimated $4.93 per mcf over the three-year contract term.

The final cost will not be determined until after the contract is signed with the gas supplier.

A previous four-year aggregation contract with the county by a different supplier was set at $3.99 per mcf. However, gas prices and supplier rates have increased since the time of that contract.

Commissioners Tony Bernard and Denny Malloy voted to join the aggregation program. Commissioner Rick Hernandez voted against joining the program.

The aggregation program primarily affects residents living in unincorporated villages and townships. Malloy said the aggregation program will not include the cities of Cortland, Warren, Girard or Hubbard, or Liberty Township.

A representative of the CCAO said individual households do not have to participate in the county’s aggregation program. They can opt out of the program and enter into contracts with an individual gas supplier.

Hernandez said his vote against the program was not because of any problem that may be associated with the program, but he thought the commissioners did not allow other natural gas providers to provide alternative bids.

“I have nothing against CCAO, but I believe we did have some other providers that I think we should have allowed to participate and give their proposals,” Hernandez said. “I am not saying this is not the lowest rate. However, when we are dealing with this program, we are looking for the utmost best rates.”

Malloy said the commissioners had talked to two other providers last year that provided pitches on their aggregation programs.

“I believe they are the two most credible ones out there, besides CCAO,” Malloy said. “I respect your opinion, but I do believe we picked the three biggest in the state and gave them the opportunity.”

Trumbull County voted to establish an aggregation program in 2008.

County residents who are already enrolled with the county’s current program with Buckeye Energy will be automatically enrolled with the CCAO program.

The county committed to a three-year contract instead of a one-year contract because it was suggested the costs are expected to continue to rise.