The Idaho State Brand Board (IBB) released a notice at the end of November that it is issuing refunds to cattle producers who may have overpaid for brand inspections. The deadline to seek a refund is Jan. 1, 2018.
Early in 2017, the IBB proposed the state’s first brand inspection fee increase in 11 years. The proposed fee increase—from 94 cents to $1.19—took effect July 1, 2017. However, due to a procedural error involved with the submission of the proposal documents, the fee increase had not technically been authorized. The IBB became aware of the issue at the beginning of October and changed back to the lower inspection fee.
“Our customers were technically overcharged 25 cents per head from July 1, 2017 to Oct. 1, 2017,” wrote State Brand Inspector Larry Hayhurst in the IBB’s notice.
Livestock owners who were charged a brand inspection fee during that time period can request a refund. Provide proof of your inspection and payment, and submit the request to: Idaho State Brand Inspector, P.O. Box 1177, Meridian, ID, 83680. — WLJ
