The future of United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) in Sunflower County prompted discussion Monday morning during the regular meeting of the Sunflower County Board of Supervisors, as board members engaged in a tense exchange over whether to publicly discuss the company’s business operations.
During Tax Assessor/Collector Cynthia Chandler’s monthly report, District 1 Supervisor Glenn Donald questioned the amount of tax revenue the county receives from UNFI and whether the company had indicated any plans to close its local facility.
“All right, OK,” Donald began. “Ms. Chandler, since we’re in this room, it’s not executive (session) ’cause it’s all over town. How much money from UNFI comes into the county and into this courthouse?”
Chandler responded that the county collected roughly $4.1 million in taxes from UNFI last year, including both Indianola and county assessments. She said she could later provide a breakdown by jurisdiction.
“That was collectively,” Chandler said. “I can give you a breakdown of that … and bring that back to you, if you like.”
“Yes, I would love that,” Donald replied.
The conversation shifted when Donald asked whether supervisors were aware of any indication that the company planned to close.
District 3 Supervisor Roger Anthony interjected, “My question is, are they closing?” He added that local officials had struggled to communicate with UNFI’s new management.
“Steve Rosenthal, the economic development director, said he had tried several times to get out there and get on the phone with the new manager that’s been there about three months, and he had been very unsuccessful,” Anthony said. “What we do know is that they lost their accounts — a WIC account and one of their military accounts.”
Board Attorney Johnny McWilliams cautioned against discussing the company’s business circumstances in open session.
“I don’t think it’s wise talking about their circumstances,” McWilliams said.
Donald said during the discussion that talking about how much in taxes the county receives from the company did not warrant confidentiality.
“I don’t think it’s an executive session matter about how much taxes we receive,” he said.
Tension briefly flared as Donald accused others of trying to silence his inquiry.
“You’re trying to shut me down,” he said. “I just asked a public question. Don’t try to steamroll me.”
Board President Gloria Dickerson did not comment directly on the matter but moved the meeting forward after several minutes of back-and-forth.
UNFI, one of Sunflower County’s largest taxpayers and employers, has not publicly announced any closures or reductions in operations. County officials said they expect further updates once more information is available.
