Why not Fenton Too? Who's Next!

Fenton plans to restructure, could be sold

Asked if this could mean closure of the century-old glass factory, Fenton said, “We’re trying not to do that.
“This has to do with financing and cost structure, and involves a variety of options that we’re considering,” he said. “But there’s nothing firm at this time.”

Looks like Fenton Glass will be the first of many local companies to ask for a similar break to the HINO Deal, and why not. Already folks are asking the Assessor how much more money will we have to spend from this deal, if any!

Officials: Hino financial impact on schools not known

By "impact" they mean new money into the coffers. By the time the county receives revenue from HINO, it will most likely just off set departing businesses tired of buying their own equipment and paying the full tax burden.

High on HINO

State buys nearly 12-acre tract next to Hino plant

"In addition to the buying property adjacent to Hino, Burdette said the Wood County Commission will approve an abatement of property taxes on the facilities equipment, meaning the equipment will not be taxed.

The state is spending $5 million to purchase equipment for the Hino plant and then leasing it to the company for 15 years".

So far sounds similar to the deal Toyota cut in Mason County. While local small businesses struggle to pay these taxes others make a deal. Many local companies simply leave West Virginia and locate elsewhere, many times just across the border to avoid taxes on new equipment needed to expand.

Taxing Land "Into Use"

Better ways to tax property

"Real estate taxes should relate to the minimal needs of a highly efficient government. In many cases taxes are being raised because our neighbors find a way to sell their property for an exorbitant price to an unsuspecting victim".

Jim Weigle, Parkersburg News & Sentinel

Mr. Weigle makes several points in his Letter to the Editor that are of interest. This is happening to more and more folks around Wood County, especially those in areas that have seen commercial development. Rosemar road is a prime example, I feel sorry for folks that have lived in a house or on a small piece of land for years and find out that a business has paid commercial value for the hill or ditch next to them.

Red White & Blue Republican Picnic

1st Annual Republican Red White & Blue Picnic at Fort Boreman Park

What a View

A Beautiful Day on the Ohio River

Lots of Familiar Faces

Plenty of Food, Drinks and Desert!

And of Course, The Band with a Great Variety of Music