Small Town News

Manderson to pay state overpayment in severance tax

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The Manderson Town Council Monday night voted to repay a $561.66 overpayment made by the State Treasurer's Office in mineral severance tax money in quarterly payments of $140.41.

The payments will be subtracted from state money dispersed in fiscal year 2011. State Treasurer Joseph Meyer, in a letter dated Aug. 18, 2010, explained the overpayments were related to a change in accounting procedures in 1995.

The negative account balance became apparent in fiscal year 2004, Meyer said.

"For a number of years this negative balance was thought to be a timing issue rather than an over payment," he said.

Meyer said during the 2008 legislative session he attempted to address this liability using reversions to the general fund rather than seeking repayment from local governments, but the move was rejected by the Appropriations Committee.

Manderson receives

quarterly distributions of $1,101.79.

Also on the agenda Monday evening:

The town council voted to accept a lone sealed bid of $6,000 from Lloyd Franks for a parcel of property measuring slightly less than one acre. The bid was higher than the assessed value of the property. Nielsen said the sale of the property ended the town's responsibility and in no way included a survey.

Two bids were opened for a Ford pickup with the sale going to Gene Wilenius at $250.

An International dump truck drew three bids with the sale going to Redland Angus at $750.99.

Two sealed bids were received for a mosquito sprayer, with Jack Nielsen Jr. getting the sale with the highest bid of $300. Jack Nielsen Sr. abstained from voting.

The council approved a building permit for Kenneth and Anna Hall. The Halls will replace a mobile home with a newer model.

A response letter from the Wyoming Local Government Liability Pool insurance program was received. Wilenius said the council asked if it was possible to park the empty police car on the town's main street to deter speeders.

Carlene Brown said other small towns rely on the practice.

For insurance purposes, the move is not advisable because the town could assume some liability if it gives the impression it has an operational municipal police department when it does not at this time.

Councilwoman Janet Reasoner suggested a forum to discuss law enforcement needs with Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn.

She also said the Manderson population could help police itself by reporting speeders to the sheriff's office or in the case of a commercial vehicle, to the corporation.

Barbara Wall discussed the town's faulty irrigation system. "The grass was green and lush and trees were alive and green in our parks, unlike now when the grass is dry, brown and crunches when you walk on it."

Wilenius said the priority is to fix the issues with the water storage tank before the irrigation system gets repaired but that it is being addressed.

Wall added that she recently was hurt on town property but that hoses remained strewn around.

Lisa Bennett said the Manderson Fire Department has four state-certified firefighters and the rest work under their direct supervision.

"We are first responders, not EMTs," Bennett said. "It takes Atwood's 15 minutes to get here and we are able to be on the scene well before that."



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© 2011 Basin Republican Rustler Basin, Wyoming. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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