Pactiv Evergreen, seeking to reduce the assessed value of the paper mill by $14 million, has faced strong opposition from Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers.
Canton’s Pactiv Evergreen plant closure looms, and new challenges have arisen, centering around a proposed tax break and confusion regarding workers’ health insurance
The potential reduction in the plant’s value, from the Haywood County Tax Assessor’s Office appraisal of $19.8 million to Pactiv Evergreen’s claimed worth of $5.8 million, has raised concerns about the impact on town services. Smathers expressed disagreement with the tax break request, emphasizing its detrimental effect on essential services such as police, fire, and water.
The sudden revelation of Pactiv Evergreen’s tax break request has left Smathers and the community disheartened, as they believe it to be more than a mere business decision. Smathers criticized the lack of communication and disagreed with the methods and values employed by Pactiv Evergreen. He expressed his disappointment at the company’s attempt to seek a tax break after the negative consequences the plant closure has had on the local economy and workers.
Smathers affirmed their intention to challenge the request through the appropriate legal channels
Regarding the health insurance predicament faced by workers as the plant’s closure approaches, Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers highlighted the lack of communication that may result in disruptions to coverage. The discontinuation of their current health insurance by August 1st has raised concerns about workers’ access to necessary medical treatments such as insulin.
To address this issue, Haywood Community College (HCC) will organize two all-day sessions with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, aiming to assist workers in navigating alternative health coverage options. HCC President Shelley White emphasized the importance of this dialogue, acknowledging the critical decisions workers will need to make for their continued healthcare needs.
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