UPDATED: Wenner Bread in Talks With Islip, County, State on Tax Relief

Wenner Bread, one of the largest commercial taxpayers in Bayport, is working with state, county and Islip Town officials on potential tax relief and if successful it could keep the bread maker on Long Island.

Chief Executive Officer Richard Wenner told Patch in an email this week that the company is appreciative of a county tax abatement regarding its Ronkonkoma location but has not specifically asked for any tax relief on the Bayport operations.

"we continue to work with State, County and Town officials to find the best solutions for our customers, shareholders and our community," wrote Wenner.

The company operates three production plants and two office/warehouse building in Islip Town.

"The Bayport property tax base will stay as it currently is, as we have not requested any tax abatements for those properties," he told Patch.

ORIGINAL STORY

One of Bayport’s biggest commercial taxpayers is mulling a potential move out of state, according to a published report.

Wenner Bread Products is applying for local tax breaks but may close down or close part of factory operations in Bayport and Ronkonkoma if a better tax deal arises in a different state, according to Newsday.

The move to get a better tax deal is, in part, due to getting a better grip on escalating operating costs, according to the company. According to Newsday Wenner is negotiating a deal for a building out of state that offers “generous” tax breaks while also entertaining a tax cut offer from Suffolk County at the same time.

Newsday reports that the county is proposing $500,000 in tax breaks over the next two decades for the Ronkonkoma operation.