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A resolution standing up for the rights of county residents related to deep well drilling
in Calhoun has been passed by the Calhoun County Board of Education. The
resolution will be discussed at Friday's Economic Development Summit in Flatwoods.
Nearly 70 permits have been issued for Calhoun, the largest number of any county in
the state.
Board members Burl Simers, Carlene Frederick and Juanita Berdine, along with
County Commission President Bob Weaver, will be attending the state-wide summit
which has attracted over 150 people.
Weaver, who authored the resolution, will be giving copies to those registered. It has
also been passed by the Calhoun Commission.
A resolution by the Board of Education of the County of Calhoun:
TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF OUR CITIZENS IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF DEEP WELL DRILLING
Whereas, we the members of the Calhoun County Board of Education, 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 Board of Education, ar aware of a
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 Board of Education, 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 Board of Education, 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 County Commissions, Boards of Education and citizens of those counties, to join
us in developing and maintaining a consortium who 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 Board of Education, 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 Board of education, 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.
Signed this 13th day of August, 2001 by the members of the Calhoun County Board of
Education
Rick Fitzwater, President
Ronald Blankenship, Secretary
Lewis B. Simers, Member
Carlene Frederick, Member
Ralph J. Cunningham, Member
Juanita Berdine, Member
Click below for related editorial RIGHTS OF LANDOWERS WITH DEEP WELL
DRILLERS
Rights | 
