County Valuation Up 21%
Oil and gas sales drive assessment up to a new record
by Rob Shaul

Increases in oil and natural gas sales from reserves in Sublette County has driven up the county-wide assessment 21% to a record $458,000,000, according to County Assessor Janet Montgomery. Last year's valuation stood at $370,000,000.

The increase is a potential boon for the county government and Rural Health Care District. The County Commissioners can levy up to 12 mils. This year, one mill will be worth a record $458,000. Thus, if the Commissioners chose to levy the full 12 mils, they will bring in $5.5 million to the county coffers.

The Rural Health Care District Board can levy a maximum of two mills. If the Board chooses to again levy both mills, it will raise an additional $158,000 for the District.

In terms of oil and gas operators, Enron Oil & Gas is the largest taxpayer in the state, with a combined assessed valuation of $77.5 million. McMurry Oil was the second, with a total assessed valuation of $72.7 million.