Stark County Commission members denied the first-ever oil-related company request for a property tax exemption during a meeting at the Stark County Courthouse Tuesday.I don't know any more than this, what was printed in the paper. But my first thought is that the Stark County commissioners are doing the right thing. And not just because "the oil companies are doing so well right now." I run the risk of getting a lot of e-mail saying I don't know what I'm talking about, but taking that risk, here is my 2 cent worth: if you can't make it in the Bakken without help from the government, you ... well, I'll let others finish the thought.
Stark County Tax Director Diane Brines said after the meeting that the exemption would have allowed for more than $250,000 each year for the next five years.
Commissioners said they did not want to set a standard of giving exemptions to oil companies.
When I first read about this story some time ago (it was either the initial story or a similar story involving a different company), I felt that the company really didn't need the tax exemption, but was simply and appropriately taking advantage of all opportunities.
This might be a big headline story for Stark County pundits, but in the big scheme of things I doubt it amounts to much.
