BRIEF Pilgrim's Pride's $2 million tax bill unpaid

Mar 6, 2009 — Suwannee Democrat

Jeff Waters

Mar. 6, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Suwannee County could be out about $2 million if Pilgrim's Pride doesn't pay its property tax bill, according to Property Appraiser Lamar Jenkins.

The biggest taxpayer in the county filed for bankruptcy protection Dec. 1. Now it's not clear when -- or if -- the bill will be paid.

"It's certainly going to put a hurt on the budget of the county," Jenkins told the Democrat by phone Thursday.

Jenkins said the unpaid bill represents 7.4 percent of the money local schools get from property taxes; 5.3 percent of county funds from that source; and 8 percent of the money the Suwannee River Water Management District receives from local property tax revenues.

A spokesman for Pilgrim's did not respond to a request for comment.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0372-32644068