Oil most likely struck on former Boyce property owned by Jackson County

COLUMBIA TWP., MI – Although it’s not official just yet, Savoy Energy most likely struck oil on a piece of property Jackson County took ownership of in 2011, commonly referred to as the “Boyce property.”

Jackson County Administrator Michael Overton said he was informed by a Savoy official working on site that the company was successful. He said the county has not received written notification from the Traverse City-based company but would expect to soon.

A Savoy Energy official declined comment saying the company does not comment on business matters.

While the company has been exploring for oil on the property since spring, the oil derrick was constructed on the 97-acre property in late September.

In August, Overton said there was a good chance of finding oil.

“It’s a significant investment on their part (Savoy) so I think the potential for success is good,” he said.

The land, 8200 Jefferson Road, was obtained by Jackson County in a tax foreclosure process in 2011 from David Brian Boyce — a man who did not recognize government and refused to pay taxes.

After it was foreclosed on, police escorted the family off the property in November 2011. The county opted to buy the property for $18,500, rather than let it go to auction.

In February, county officials had plans to sell the property but later decided to take it off the market in hopes of finding oil or until the oil lease exploration expired in November. The lease was extended between the county and Savoy.

Savoy originally signed the oil exploration lease with Boyce and it transferred to the county once it took ownership.

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