Problem:
Haley Paper Company operate a 300-ton-per-day Kraft pulp mill and four sawmills in Wisconsin. The company is in the process of expanding its pulp mill facilities to a capacity of 1,000 tons per day and plans to replace three of its older, less efficient sawmills with an expanded facility. One of the mills to be replaced did not operate for most of 2010 (current year), and there are no plans to reopen it before the new sawmill facility becomes operational.
In reviewing the depreciation rates and in discussing the residual values of the sawmills that were to be replaced, it was noted that if present depreciation rates were not adjusted, substantial amounts of plant costs on these three mills would not be depreciated by the time the new mill came on stream.
What is the proper accounting for the four sawmills at the end of 2010?