Daifuku representatives tell Boyne City commission they seek fair, market-based tax settlement

Todd Alderman, president of Daifuku Airport America, and Steven Camilletti, the company's plant manager, addressed the commission ahead of a closed-session tax settlement discussion to urge what they called fair market assessment rather than special treatment or tax avoidance.

"We are not seeking special or preferential treatment," Alderman said, asking the city to "be treated the same as our other industry property owners in the city and throughout the region." He argued Daifuku's taxable value seemed high relative to local comparables, citing per-square-foot assessments and a nearby sale he described as lower than the company's valuation.

Alderman framed a settlement as a practical way to avoid the cost and uncertainty of continued proceedings and to reinforce a positive relationship between the company and the city. Plant manager Steven Camilletti emphasized the company's community involvement and requested that the commission "not look at Daifuku just as a number, but as an opportunity for an excellent partnership." "For me, Boyne City is home," Camilletti said.

Dave Kronberg, director of business growth at the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, told commissioners the company has made "a massive financial investment" and provides more than 120 jobs locally; he asked the commission to consider the broader economic benefits of retaining the employer.

City members acknowledged receipt of the comments and noted the tax settlement will be discussed in closed session later in the meeting. Commissioners did not take public action on the settlement during the open session.