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Martin County approves economic incentive agreement with Domtar
Summary
Martin County commissioners unanimously approved an economic development incentive agreement allowing Domtar Paper Company to receive up to 70% of net new real and personal property tax revenue for up to eight years if it locates an expansion in the county.
The Martin County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Aug. 14 to approve an economic development incentive agreement with Domtar Paper Company, LLC, a deal county economic development officials said would offset the company’s upfront taxable investment if Domtar chooses to expand in Martin County.
The agreement, discussed under the heading “Project Bonfire,” authorizes the county to return up to 70 percent of net new real and personal property tax revenues generated by the company for as long as eight years. Jason Semple, president and CEO of the Martin County Economic Development Commission, said the county previously held a public hearing pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §158‑7 and had authorized staff to negotiate an appropriate incentive package.
“We appreciate Martin County’s partnership and look forward to keeping a vital presence in the community,” Everett Spence, mill manager for Domtar, said at the meeting. Domtar’s local and corporate representatives — including Bill Peters (HR) and Stefan Nowicki (corporate) — attended the meeting to indicate the company wished to move forward.
Commissioner Elmo “Butch” Lilley moved to approve the agreement; Commissioner Ronnie Smith seconded and the board approved the motion unanimously. The board’s vote authorized the county manager and county attorney to finalize a mutually agreeable contract implementing the economic incentive terms discussed at the public hearing.
The item was recorded on the consent/approval portion of the meeting as an action taken by formal motion. The record does not include a dollar‑value estimate of Domtar’s proposed investment or a timetable for the project; those details will be determined as negotiations and any site selection proceed.
The county cited N.C. Gen. Stat. §158‑7 during the prior public hearing that enabled the board to consider incentive language; the agreement itself will be finalized by county staff and the company.
