A number of Northern Idaho companies are alleging they have not been paid for their work in building the local Tractor Supply store. 

According to interviews with several subcontractors, as well as documents and emails seen by the Bonners Ferry Herald, eight subcontractors involved in the building’s construction allege they are owed over $160,000. Six of the subcontractors are based in Bonners Ferry or Bonner County. 

Pat Warner, vice president of FINN Partners, which handles media inquiries for Tractor Supply Company, said the company is aware of the issue and is addressing the matter with the developer. 

“All material contractor and subcontractor expenses were the sole responsibility of the developer for this location,” Warner said in a statement to the Herald. “We will refer to them for comments and background on this issue.” 

“As a company, Tractor Supply has always been committed to ensuring our contractors are fully compensated, and we are following up with the developer of this project.” 

Attempts to directly contact Hix Snedeker and Perry Construction for comment were unsuccessful. 

The Tractor Supply Company building is located at 79 Homestead Loop, Bonners Ferry and opened on Nov. 23, 2024. However, TSC does not own the building; instead, the store is owned by HSC Bonners Ferry. HSC Bonners Ferry is connected to Alabama-based Hix Snedeker, a commercial real estate development firm.  

HSC hired Perry Construction, a Texas-based company, as its general contractor to build the Bonners Ferry building. Perry Construction hired a number of subcontractors to build and install HVAC, electricity, plumbing and other types of work.  

However, interviews with several of the subcontractors indicate that three subcontracting companies have been paid in full. Two were paid by Hix Snedeker Companies, while one says they were paid directly by Tractor Supply Company. 

Amounts allegedly owed to each company vary significantly, according to one document that shows finances not received for many of the subcontractors. For some, it’s less than $10,000. For others, it’s over $30,000. Representatives for one Bonners Ferry-based company allege they are owed $60,000. 

Toby McLaughlin, local counsel for both Tractor Supply Company and owner of the land where the store is located, told the Bonners Ferry Herald that his client feels sorry that some of the sub-contractors have not been paid because they had signed contracts with Perry.  

On the flip side, Perry Construction officials wrote in emails to one subcontractor that they had not paid Cold-Tech Refrigeration because they had not yet been paid by HSC. In another email from a Perry official to another subcontractor, officials said they are at Hix’s mercy as they have not been paid retainage.  

According to several subcontractors, the dispute has led to some financial hardship. Officials with a fencing company involved said the business has hired a lawyer to avoid any similar situations in the future. The contractors involved have preferred to remain anonymous to avoid conflict. 

Subcontractors involved in the alleged dispute say they have tried to be patient and chosen not to file lawsuits or place a lien on the property. Instead, they remain hopeful that someone will pay them.