Enbridge Tax Appeal Could Cost Counties Millions

BAGLEY, Minn. (AP) – Some northern Minnesota counties could end up paying millions of dollars to Enbridge Energy if the company is successful in its tax appeal.

Enbridge claims the Minnesota Department of Revenue unfairly valued its oil pipeline network and overcharged it in five years of tax collections.

Clearwater and Red Lake counties could end up refunding more money than they raise annually to property taxes. Clearwater County auditor, Allen Paulson, tells the Star Tribune (http://strib.mn/2mHPDoE) if Enbridge wins its appeal, then county would be forced to pay $7.2 million, more than the county’s levy of $6.8 million.

Enbridge’s pipelines cross 13 Minnesota counties, transporting crude oil form Alberta, Canada and North Dakota to a terminal in Superior, Wisconsin.