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Resident urges Hancock County to prioritize oil, gas development to help schools
Summary
Resident Matt Cole told the Hancock County Commission Dec. 11 that attracting oil and gas development could bolster property-tax revenue and help address a school system funding crisis announced Nov. 17; he cited consultations with state officials and geologists and offered action steps for the county.
Matt Cole, a Hancock County resident, urged the Hancock County Commission on Dec. 11 to make attracting oil and gas development a strategic priority to help address a financial crisis the county’s school system announced Nov. 17.
Cole told commissioners he consulted state and industry contacts to understand barriers and prospects. “I contacted Mr. Charles Brewer with the West Virginia DEP Oil and Gas Division,” he said, and added he had also spoken with Delegate Pat McGee and geologists from Seneca Resources and DQT. Cole said those conversations indicated the county’s geology is suitable for development but that economics and a lack of pipeline access have made Hancock County less competitive.
Cole emphasized the fiscal benefit that production property taxes can bring to counties, citing Marshall County’s assessor, whom he said tied a fiscal-year property tax increase—from roughly $89,000,000 in 2024 to about $138,000,000 in 2025—to oil and gas activity. “West Virginia allows counties to collect property tax on oil and gas production, including mineral rights, producing wells, gathering systems and the heavy equipment used to build and operate pads and plants,” Cole said. He argued that new production could diversify the county tax base and reduce pressure on schools and services.
Cole said he has worked in the oil and gas industry for 16 years and lives in Hancock County; he left the commission written action points and offered to meet with staff to discuss next steps. The commission agreed to schedule a follow-up meeting to receive his materials and discuss the ideas further. No formal action was taken at the Dec. 11 meeting on Cole’s proposal.
The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 22 at 2:30 p.m.
