52°F
weather icon Clear

Matson scolds official over tax criticism

TONOPAH — Nye County Assessor Shirley Matson blasted commissioner Dan Schinhofen Tuesday over his criticism of renewable energy tax abatements granted to SolarReserve, dba Tonopah Solar Energy LLC, for the Crescent Dunes solar plant under construction 13 miles northwest of here.

It’s the only concentrated solar power plant under construction in Nye County, which will generate 110 megawatts of power to be transmitted through the NV Energy grid when it’s expected to be completed in mid 2014.

The Nevada Legislature granted a 55 percent renewable energy tax credit on property taxes. The SolarReserve tax abatements are for 20 years, from Aug. 24, 2011 to Aug. 24, 2013.

The assessor’s office report that was provided to commissioners asked the county treasurer to make adjustments to the taxes based on the abatements. The assessment on a 121.6-acre parcel was reduced from $149,174 to $67,128 with the 55 percent abatement; taxes were cut from $4,587.49 to $2,083.61. For a 79.097-acre parcel, the assessment was reduced from $97,214 to $43,746, cutting the taxes from $3,001.78 to $1,370.04. An 80.92-acre parcel that would normally be assessed at $98,702 was assessed at $44,416, the taxes were reduced from $3,047.19 to $1,390.49. A parcel leased from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which would ordinarily be assessed at $37.7 million was reduced to $17 million, cutting taxes from $1.15 million to $518,969.

Matson said the previous Board of County Commissioners approved a development agreement with SolarReserve that set forth the solar plant construction and the abatements. She said former Commissioner Joni Eastley testified she knew SolarReserve was going to apply for the abatement and knew how the abatements worked. Matson was upset Schinhofen had several people contact her office and contacted the Nevada Department of Taxation.

“Our department was never asked for any comments or what we thought about it at the time,” she said of the abatements. “Our department is not responsible for any of the terms the county agreed to or the state. Our job is to implement the procedures, period.”

“You’ve made fictitious and condescending comments that anyone can make up those calculations, which is not only non-productive, it’s insulting,” the county’s assessor said. “So what is it you don’t understand?”

“Accusing us of things is not making anybody feel good. So let’s get this squared away today,” she added.

Schinhofen said he only wanted Matson to explain more about the abatements, particularly whether it applied to roads.

“I just was confused about that, I wanted it explained. Apparently, it’s turned into more of a deal than I expected,” Schinhofen said.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off brings tempting tastings and festival fun

The 11th Annual International Chili Society and Silver State Chili Cook-Off took over Petrack Park this past weekend for three days filled with savory tastings, fun and activities and of course, some intense culinary competition.

Pahrump homeschoolers dance the night away

Pahrump Valley’s homeschool youth were whisked away into the Enchanted Forest this month, with local Moose Lodge #808 hosting a night of dancing and revelry in honor of an age-old adolescent right-of-passage, prom.

Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.