By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
EL RENO – On behalf of several large manufacturers, Canadian County is seeking a $1.2 million property tax reimbursement from the State of Oklahoma.
Canadian County commissioners, at their March 13th meeting, approved making the claim for 2022 through the state’s five-year exempt manufacturing program.
The program was created to stimulate business growth “with a direct focus on manufacturing-type jobs in industries that would create long-term employment,” Canadian County Assessor Matt Wehmuller explained.
Manufacturing companies that apply for the five-year exempt program must meet payroll and other requirements to be approved.
The State of Oklahoma then pays the company’s “tax bill” for five years, Wehmuller added.
The four-term county assessor listed four manufacturing companies in Canadian County that comprise the reimbursement claim:
- ATC Drivetrain: $88,225
- Lopez Foods: $166,252
- Love’s Trucking: $161,908
- Niagara Bottling: $791,574
County commissioners signed the reimbursement claim, which totals $1,207,959.
A qualifying manufacturing company – as defined in the Oklahoma Constitution – “shall be exempt from the levy or any ad valorem taxes upon new, expanded or acquired manufacturing facilities including facilities engaged in research and development, for a period of five years,” according to Oklahoma Statutes Title 68-2902.
Ad valorem tax is based on the assessed value of real estate or personal property.
Property taxes are usually levied by local jurisdictions, such as counties and school districts.
THIS AND THAT …
Among other business at their weekly meeting March 13, the Canadian County commissioners approved:
- An amended agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services for heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) expenses and grounds maintenance at the Canadian County Children’s Justice Center.
- Six floodplain permits previously approved by the Canadian County Floodplain Board.
Canadian County Jail Administrator Maj. Kristie Carter gave the weekly county jail report showing a total inmate population of 211, including 183 prisoners at the El Reno detention center and 24 housed in outside contract counties.
Some 34 Canadian County inmates are awaiting transfer to state Department of Corrections (DOC) custody.
