Pike County officials report possible '280-plus' layoffs at Excel Mining; court plans workforce outreach

Commissioner Scott told the fiscal court on Nov. 18 that he had heard "2 80 plus" Excel Mining employees might be laid off and that the county had not yet received the typical WARN notice. He described the report as "really bad news this weekend" and warned the layoffs would intensify existing economic strains in Pike County.

Judge Jones and Commissioner Lewis emphasized community concern and asked that affected families be remembered in prayers. Commissioner Scott said county staff would reach out to workforce training programs, specifically the East Kentucky Concentrated Employment Service, and he asked William (staff) to contact providers next week to explore available services for displaced workers.

Commissioner Scott framed the potential layoffs as part of a longer-term trend that has reduced the county’s population and tax base; he cited the county's decline from about 81,000 to roughly 56,000 in past decades while urging continued efforts to recruit industry and training opportunities.

No company representative from Excel Mining spoke during the meeting and the reported layoffs were described as unconfirmed in-court information. The court did not take formal action on the report during the meeting but instructed staff to follow up with workforce partners.

What’s next: county staff will contact the East Kentucky Concentrated Employment Service and other workforce programs to identify training or placement options for any displaced employees; the court asked staff to report back with findings and potential assistance steps.