The federal tax lien on Stinger Welding, Inc., that last month totaled $177,637 has nearly doubled since reported a month ago, hitting $341,846.25, according to  Department of the Treasury documents obtained by The Western News.

Stinger Welding, Inc., a Coolidge, Ariz.,-based bridge builder with an operation here in Libby, employs about 85 people locally.

In July, a similar lien against Stinger was announced for $6,212.

Stinger Welding CEO Carl Douglas has not commented about the tax liens and instead has insisted “a witch hunt” conducted by The Western News for its inquiries.

Stinger has accepted grants from the Montana Department of Commerce through the endorsement of the Lincoln County Commissioners, which Presiding Commissioner Marianne Roose clearly has stated the county thus has a vested interest in what transpires at Stinger. 

   In July, local employees at the company, were told they would lose their health benefits for 90 days. Reportedly, Douglas is in the process of renegotiating a health benefits plan for employees. Nov. 1 would be the expiration of that 90-day period.

News of the loss of benefits last month and subsequent liens have prompted Lincoln County officials to inquire about Stinger.

In 2011, Stinger had 11 tax liens issued against the company, most of which were satisfied. However, liens issued for this year have not been satisfied.

Just more than a year ago, Stinger Welding was to receive $17 million in financing to further the company’s growth and employment opportunities in Libby.