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Local sawmill fire prompts discussion of job, payroll losses and possible county assistance
Summary
Board members discussed the Lazard lumber mill fire, reporting heavy equipment losses, an estimated 29 sawmill-related jobs in the county and a scenario where losing 20 jobs would mean "a loss of over $1,000,000 to the community just in payroll." Members suggested reserving small-business funds to assist rebuilding if requested.
Board members told the Economic Development Advisory Board on Nov. 21 that the Lazard lumber mill fire caused significant equipment losses and left the future of the mill uncertain.
Jeff reviewed preliminary figures and said there are "an estimated" 29 sawmill-related jobs in Summit County and that in an impact scenario losing 20 of those jobs would represent "a loss of over $1,000,000 to the community just in payroll." He said some specialized replaceable equipment "is no longer made," and that replacement costs could approach a million dollars.
Members and attendees discussed whether the county should offer assistance if the owners decide to rebuild. Jeff said the county has small-business grant dollars that could be reserved to help the mill if a formal proposal comes forward. The board did not adopt a formal assistance program at the Nov. 21 meeting; members encouraged staff to coordinate with state officials who have invited local leaders to tour the site.
A community GoFundMe has been established and had raised roughly $8,000 at the time of the meeting, board members said. No formal request for county funds had been received by the end of the meeting.
