Contribution article
SAFORD — Today, a coalition of local citizens, businesses and community leaders across Graham County spoke out in support of Proposition 401, a referendum for voters confirming previous zoning decisions of the Graham County Board of Supervisors. This effort will keep hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenues staying here in Graham County. The only reason this referendum exists is because of the efforts of George Calaf, a man whose campaign finance “dark money” practices were questioned by the media this summer.
“NatureSweet and Eurofresh have been in our community for 30 years. During this time they have invested in people and in our community, providing thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue,” says SMEs. Company owner Kim Gifford said.
One of the attacks on NatureSweet concerns property valuation discrepancies in Graham County. Ten years ago, NatureSweet purchased the current greenhouse complex in Bonita and another greenhouse complex in Snowflake for approximately $30 million. Despite the sale establishing a clear market value for the property, Graham County assessed NatureSweet’s property taxes based on a $100 million valuation. After the appeals process, Graham County agreed with his NatureSweet that the original property was overvalued. NatureSweet agreed to pay taxes on a property valued at $65 million, but paid less than half that amount for the land.
“I believe in property rights and everyone pays their taxes fairly. NatureSweet will always be there for this community. is wrong and intentionally inaccurate. We paid more than our fair share based on more than double what we paid for the land in the first place. Now we want to sell a portion of our property to a company that grows legal crops in a responsible and regulated manner and saves greenhouses and the jobs that go with them.
“Speaking of money, who is paying for the other side of the 401 campaign? We don’t even know who we’re fighting. It all sounds pretty fishy to me. Listen, as Graham County citizens know, NatureSweet and Bayacan will continue to operate these world-class greenhouses, diversify what they grow, and continue to employ hundreds of people and their families. I am paying for his YES on Proposition 401 so I can. our community. They launched a campaign committee called His 4 Property Rights in Arizona. I am proud to be the treasurer of that committee. ”
Only two of the six greenhouses within the NatureSweet complex are now permitted to grow medical-grade marijuana due to a decision by the Graham County Board of Supervisors. NatureSweet wants to sell this part of the complex to Bayacan, a company that plans to grow medical-grade marijuana. Bayakan said he plans to spend just under $50 million on the purchase and improvement of the greenhouse and necessary equipment upgrades. These upgrades are expected to create 62 construction jobs over four years. Bayakan plans to employ about 125 team members in its first year of operation. When fully built in about six years, the company plans to employ about 450 team his members.
NatureSweet has consistently paid Graham County property taxes since acquiring the business from EuroFresh. Our current annual $1.3 million in taxes ($650,000 for Bonita School, $325,000 for Eastern Arizona College, and $300,000 for Graham County) provide quality educational opportunities for our students and essential government services for our residents. We provide funding.
NatureSweet has suggested it will permanently close the Bonita business if there is no income from the sale of some of its assets. This could significantly reduce tax revenue for Graham County and force residents to make up the shortfall.
