March 13, 2007

Sara Lee could lose tax exemption on Mississippi plant
 

Sara Lee Corporation could lose the tax exemptions on its Bryan Foods plant in West Point Mississippi if local officials have their way.

The plant with 1,700 employees is scheduled to be shut down on March 30. Sara Lee received its most recent tax exemption on the facility in July 2005, and under state law, it runs for 12 months after the plant closes.

City and county officials are asking the state legislature to revoke the exemptions. County supervisor David Winfield said the taxpayers have been very good to Sara Lee through tax exemptions and closing the plant would prompt the local government to revoke its tax exemptions to the company.

Sara Lee has declined to comment on the matter.