Should the county government ever cash in on severance tax and mineral leasing receipts from coal mining operations on Oak Mesa, the money would be subject to TABOR rules.

The county commissioners got a brief report on the scenario from county administrator Susan Hansen.

If an Oak Mesa coal mine were to contribute more tax and revenue to the county than TABOR restrictions provide for, county voters would have to give their approval for the county to keep and spend the money, Hansen explained.

Without that specific approval from voters, county government could be required to lower its mill levy to offset the revenue.

An Oak Mesa coal mine is a far future possibility. Unlike North Fork Valley mines, the Oak Mesa operation would be entirely within Delta County. That would give the county government first priority on mineral revenues generated there.

Initial exploration is set to begin this summer.