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Commission approves tax‑exemption ordinance for West Fraser's McDavid Mill expansion
Summary
The Escambia County commission on May 7 approved an ordinance to establish an economic‑development ad valorem tax exemption for West Fraser’s McDavid mill expansion, a project presented as a >$70 million capital investment creating about 30 full‑time jobs and adding new kilns and an energy system converting sawdust to renewable fuel.
At a 5:31 p.m. public hearing the commission considered an ordinance authorizing an economic‑development ad valorem tax exemption for West Fraser’s planned McDavid Mill expansion. Company representatives said the project includes two new kilns and a heat energy system converting sawdust into renewable fuel; the presentation described a capital investment exceeding $70 million and the creation of roughly 30 full‑time positions, bringing employment at the mill to about 170.
County and company representatives emphasized the project’s regional economic role: a West Fraser official described the McDavid facility as one of the Southern U.S. producers of southern yellow‑pine lumber and said the expansion will boost efficiency and throughput. Commissioners who toured the mill and reviewed the proposal expressed support and moved the ordinance for adoption. The recorded vote on the ordinance was 4‑0 in favor with Commissioner May off the dais. The board congratulated the company and noted interest in continued local economic partnership.
The ordinance sets terms for an economic incentive; commissioners said board approval supports local jobs and capital investment but did not detail the tax‑exemption duration or dollar value in the public hearing record. Staff said follow‑up documents and the final exemption schedule will be included in the ordinance backup and contract documents.
