Mining tax dollars

Action taken by a neighboring county will double the fees collected on future aggregate material removed from Rock County gravel pits.
On Tuesday, April 12, the Pipestone County Commissioners voted to adopt an aggregate tax at the state-mandated rate of 15 cents per ton.
Annually since 2003, Rock County has collected 7 cents per ton from local gravel pit operators who brought aggregate materials in and out of the county.
When state officials increased the tax to 15 cents in 2009, Rock County received a legislative exemption because no neighboring counties opted for such a tax.
Earlier this year Rock County commissioners decided against pursuing legislation to continue the rate exemption. The group agreed the two different rates between neighboring counties would cause confusion.
Aggregate tax monies go toward road and bridge maintenance, with the county, townships and cities each receiving a percentage of the collected tax.
Pipestone County Administrator Sharon Hanson estimated Pipestone County could collect $10,000 to $40,000 each year for road repairs.
Rock County has collected varying amounts depending on the construction season.
In the last five years Rock County has received a low $16,596 in 2010 to last year’s high of $29,562.
No timeline has been determined as to when the new tax rate will go into effect.