CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Kanawha County Commission entered a Court Order yesterday denying an $817,000 tax exoneration request submitted by the State Tax Commission on behalf of Blackhawk Mining, LLC., according to records.
The Tax Commission submitted the request in September of 2021, and at that time the county immediately sought further information regarding this unusually high exoneration. Ultimately, the county referred the matter to the Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney for investigation. The county also requested the state conduct its own formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the exoneration.
Democrat Commission President Kent Carper stated, “Our decision today to deny an $800,000 tax giveaway was grounded firmly in the law. The tax department was attempting to carry the water for a big, out-of-state company, and it’s simply not fair to the average taxpayer who doesn’t receive the same special treatment.”
Democrat Commissioner Ben Salango added, “The county held two public hearings on the exoneration. It was apparent from the evidence that there was an intentional effort by the state to go after this taxpayer. We demanded an independent investigation, the results of which were not shared with us.
Salango continued, the County Commission, and county taxpayers, are not responsible for a willful or negligent action of the state.”
Republican Commissioner Lance Wheeler commented, “Protecting the taxpayers of Kanawha County is my top priority. Unfortunately, the county had no jurisdiction to bail out the State under the pretenses of a simple mistake. I am very disappointed with this entire situation. I sincerely hope this taxpayer obtains the relief it deserves from the State of West Virginia.”
