The Clinton Nuclear Power Station and the Clinton Board of Education continue to be at odds over the value of the power station.

The value of the power station means a great deal to the Clinton Board of Education as they reap the benefits of the property taxes that come in from it. According to Dr. Jeff Holmes, Superintendent of Clinton Schools, the latest negotiations have been as productive as several before.

[audio:4171560506-41715exelonvalue1.mp3] [/audio]

While the Exelon representatives claim the value of their plant is very low, the representatives for the school district and other taxing bodies hope to begin dialogue to reach a settlement, however, Dr. Holmes says they are not very willing to enter into negotiations.

[audio:4171560510-41715exelonvalue2.mp3] [/audio]

The taxing bodies will be entering into an appraisal process with the power plant. Dr. Holmes points out this has been done before and has found the value of the power plant is decreasing because of factors in the energy markets. It is the belief of the taxing bodies the decline in the value is not as drastic as Exelon officials say.

[audio:4171560516-41715exelonvalue3.mp3] [/audio]

When it comes to taking the issue of the property value to the Property Tax Appeal Board, Dr. Holmes says he is not comfortable with that process. He explains they are a very tax payer sensitive group, but have never dealt with a nuclear power plant assessment case.

He notes it remains the goal of the district and the taxing bodies to reach a settlement before it gets to that level.