Upshur Commissioners Have More Questions for PATH Developers
By Gary Mallonee, Staff WriterThe Upshur County Commission received an update on effects the proposed Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highway lines could have on property taxes collected in the county.
The PATH project has proposed three possible routes through the county: a northern route, a central route and a southern route. The northern route would affect around $12,464,000 in property values; the central route, around $16,083,000; and the southern route, $2,620,000, according to the Upshur County Assessor's office. The project will affect a 200-foot right-of-way, and also a quarter-mile section on each side of the right-of-way.
"I believe the power company should have to pay an annual fee to the county for the loss of tax revenues," said Commission President Donnie Tenney. "We should be able to get some of the money back."
"This is a great concern for property owners," Commissioner Creed Pletcher added. "You can't develop that section of the property where the lines are located."
Commissioners agreed to present more questions to Allegheny Energy regarding the projects and the proposed tax revenue loss.
In other business, the commission:
- Accepted a letter of resignation from Gary W. Fitzgerald, effective Nov. 30 due to retirement.
- Approved a request for donated leave for Randy Squires.
- Approved a request for bids for the new communication tower with a pre-bid meeting set for Dec. 4.
- Reviewed correspondence from the Property Tax Division of the State Tax Department concerning the sales ration report for Upshur County.
- Reviewed the monthly activity report for the E-911 Center.
The commission meets at 9 a.m. every Thursday in the Upshur County Courthouse Annex.
