Published: January 26, 2009 08:49 am      

Board to discuss coal contract proposal

By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — The Jefferson County Board will be discussing a contract proposal from coal broker Energy Plus to market coal rights held by the county during the regular meeting tonight.

The board voted last month to have chairman Ted Buck and vice chairman Fred Edwards investigate selling about 7,000 of mineral rights and throwing in with the Dodds Pendleton Coal Association. According to Buck, the association had asked the county to include its coal rights with theirs so coal broker Energy Plus could market the larger block.

The association has about 16,000 acres and about 20,000 acres are needed to market the coal. Last week, Robert Wilson of Energy Plus told members of the Land, Tax and Appointments Committee that marketing to mining could take up to 10 years. He proposed a two year contract with a five year extension to give Energy Plus exclusive rights to market the county coal.

Also on tonight’s agenda for the county board:

A discussion will be held regarding the Justice Center roof, a letter requesting repairs to the roof and possible litigation in regards to the roof;

A status report on repairs in the Supervisor of Assessments office;

An update on county finances;

Update on tax anticipation warrants;

A report on Immigrations and Customs Enforcement detainees;

An update on Scheller Bridge, highway department equipment; and a review of motor fuel taxes;

A discussion on establishing a penalty for going around signs in a flooded area;

Proposals for the federal stimulus package;

Confirm hiring Jim Hanson to represent the county in the Villani election lawsuit;

A proclamation for National Radon Action Month; and

A discussion of water availability.

The County Board will meet at 7 p.m. in the county board room located in the basement of the Jefferson County Courthouse.