Nashwauk leaders: Mesabi Metallics owes $1 million in property taxes
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The city of Nashwauk is calling on Mesabi Metallics to make the right choice, and pay the over $1 million dollars owed in property taxes.
Leaders stood at city hall for a press conference on Wednesday morning.
In a letter sent to Mesabi Metallics, the city says the non-payment is putting the financial health of the city in jeopardy.
After sending a letter back in January, seeking funds, the city says they received a partial payment on February 10th, totaling $443,365.
Nashwauk’s financial consultant has strongly advised the city not proceed with any projects until the issue is resolved. That means no street projects, no utility projects, no major repairs, until the largest taxpayer decides to pay their bills.
Nashwauk leaders say the city's financial health is in jeopardy, because Mesabi Metallics are late on $1 million in property taxes.[WDIO]
Itasca County said they too, are owed over $2 million dollars. Board Chair Terry Snyder said that equals about 10 FTE jobs, and things are going to be tough when they start looking at the 2023 budget.
We should note that Itasca County recently received a check for $500,000 for property taxes.
Other companies have expressed interest in the site, including Cleveland-Cliffs and U.S. Steel.
Ben DeNucci, a commissioner in Itasca County, said, "At the end of the day, the community partner needs to fulfill their obligations. And if Mesabi can’t, then maybe they should consider selling their assets."
No construction is underway on the partially built mine site, according to the city. The company did not repond to a request for comment.