GARNETT – Anderson County taxpayers may have oil to thank for keeping their property taxes lower next year. The Anderson County Review repoed an increase in oil prices that resulted in more oil wells being drilled or reopened in Anderson County also resulted in a significant increase in the county’s valuation, or how much all property in the county is worth. The county’s valuation increased more than $5 million, up to a little more than $76 million. Because of the higher valuation, mostly because of oil and some increase in the value of farm land, taxing entities such as the county and area school districts were able to keep tax increases at a minimum and in some cases lowered their property tax mill levies. But the same thing doesn’t apply in the city of Garnett, which didn’t get a boost from oil.<br /The city’s valuation actually dropped about $118,000, to $18 million. The drop in valuation and the loss of some major businesses is making this year’s budget more difficult, Garnett city manager Joyce Martin said.
Wednesday, Aug. 22, 6:30 p.m.
