Canadian County Commissioners find themselves considering their next step after learning a recently-drilled oil and gas well reduced the value of county property. A lawsuit is a possibility.
The matter came to light after three appraisers indicated the well drilled on 3 and three-quarters acres adjacent to the County Children’s Justice Center caused $55,000 damage to the value.
The center is located west of Yukon along old U.S. 66 highway.
The well in question was drilled by Chaparral Energy after the Oklahoma City-based energy firm claimed eminent domain last fall on the property.The company made an offer in October 2018 to pay the county $35,000 to cover damages to the surface but the county’s public facilities authority rejected the offer, saying it was too low according to the Yukon Review.
The $55,000 damage estimate came after District Judge Paul Hesse appointed a trio of appraisers to determine the extent of damages. One appraiser was selected by Chaparral Energy, one by the county and one by the judge.
The Review reported the value of the property as determined by the three was $1.120,000. But following the work, the value declined to $1,064,600. The appraisal concluded the surface damages totaled $55,400.
Commissioners met this week in executive session to discuss the matter and whether to file suit against Chaparral Energy. No decision was made but a report was received from Assistant District Attorney Tommy Humphries.
Making any decision more important is that the oil well sits on one of two locations being considered as a possible site for a new county fairgrounds complex.
