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COMMISSION PASSES DEEP WELL RESOLUTION - Concerns Over Fairness For County Citizens |
| (08/03/2001) |
| By Dianne Weaver Concerns about deep well drilling and the rights of Calhoun citizens, local gas producers and royalty owners were discussed at last evenings meeting of the Calhoun Commission. The issue centers on complicated arrangements, tax policies and laws that could exempt deep well producers from taxation. County Assessor Jason Nettles said the taxation methods are complicated and multi-layered, creating a problem that has more questions than answers. Members of the Calhoun Commission, President Bob Weaver, Larry McCallister and David Barr, passed a resolution proposed by Weaver, stating their concerns regarding Calhoun residents getting a fair shake. Weaver has suggested other counties with deep well interests follow suit.
TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF OUR CITIZENS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF DEEP WELL DRILLING Whereas, we the members of the Calhoun County Commission, do hereby make record of our concerns and issues surrounding the taxation of deep well drilling in the County of Calhoun and the State of West Virginia. Whereas, we the members of the Calhoun County Commission, are aware of an historical record of natural resources being removed from our boundaries, often without reasonable and fair compensation to royalty holders, land owners, small oil and gas producers and citizens. Whereas, we the members of the Calhoun County Commission, are aware of tax breaks, laws and special considerations given the purveyors of our natural resources, often depriving our citizens of rightful and taxable income which would maintain or improve the quality of life of those residing within the boundaries of Calhoun County. Whereas, we the members of the Calhoun County Commission, do hereby give notice of our intent to stand for the rights of our citizens in relation to concessions and deals being agreed upon by the West Virginia State Tax Department, other departments of government and members of the West Virginia Legislature, who may seek to favor those vested interests. Whereas, we call upon all counties whose government has such concern, along with the Boards of Education of those counties, and all concerned citizens of those counties, to join with us in developing and maintaining a consortium who will monitor and advocate for fairness in taxation on the production of deep well drilling within our boundaries. Whereas, we the members of the Calhoun County Commission, declare that such discussions and decisions be passed before them before any adoption by the branches of government of the State of West Virginia. Whereas, we the members of the Calhoun County Commission, call upon the companies and conglomerates who seek to draw resources from our lands, to consider our rights and needs, and work cooperatively with us in the development of deep well drilling.
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