The tax refund amount that was presented to the Barton County Commission this week seemed large, and it was, but it represented a reality about the oil industry, the commissioners were told.
And the amount was an honest part of doing business in the oil producing section of the nation.
The commissioners were considering approval of more than $200,000 in tax refunds, involving a total assessed property value of $1.4 million.
It was explained that the $211,398.36 refund was because of property taxes that had been paid and appealed. State officials ruled that in favor of the appeal, so the refunds were granted.
The amount, though larger than the county usually considers, did not involve any mistakes, the commissioners were assured.
Also this week, the county commissioners approved the purchase of a Manitowoc ice machine for the Noxious Weed Department.
The machine, which produces ice for the department crews who have to work in this summer’s excessive heat, was purchased from Rube’s Inc. for $3,490.88.
The old machine, which is beyond repair, will be “disposed of through recycling,” Noxious Weed Director Dale Phillips explained.