LAURINBURG — Scotland County Chairman Bob Davis announced Monday, in a press release during the Board of County Commissioners’ regular meeting, that Carmichael Farms LLC plans to invest $26.5 million into the county.
In the release, Carmichael Farms will expand its farming operations with the new investment and will create 50 additional jobs. The new expansions will include manufacturing and packing of agricultural products.
“Nothing gives me more joy than to see a local business investing back into our community,” said Davis. “Carmichael Farms continues to build upon their family business and I’m proud of their accomplishments.
The Carmichael family, which looked for space in both Scotland and Robeson counties, has reportedly farmed in Scotland County for more than 200 years. They plan to relocate to the Scotland County Economic Development Corporation Incubator Park off Hwy. 401 South.
The board authorized an incentive package of tax grants valued at $500,000 for five years for Carmichael Farms, but the company first must meet the job creation number, the investment threshold, and pay property taxes before becoming eligible for the grants.
Co-owner Eddie Carmichael said he is looking forward to hiring and growing in his hometown.
“Having grown up in Scotland County, Davis and I are thankful for the city of Laurinburg, Scotland County and the Scotland County Economic Development Corporation for seeing the value in a local company such as ours,” said Carmichael. “Once we viewed the building in SCEDC’s Incubator Park, we knew this was the right place. There is room for future expansions and SCEDC’s eagerness to assist made us feel welcome.
“We look forward to hiring locals and helping Scotland County‘s economy grow,” he added.
In other business:
— Commissioners approved an incentive package for Edward Wood Products because the company has met the required threshold of job creation to qualify. The incentives will be in the form of tax grants from the county, but Edward Wood Products still has to meet the full job creation number, investment targets, as well as paying its property taxes before recieving the incentives.
— The board approved the Scotland County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council budget of $152,332 at the meeting. Commissioners also reappointed the current members of the JCPC to their positions.
— The board approved to pay a $1,934 match to participate in a broadband study by the Lumber River Council of Governments and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. The study will focus on broadband access in the region including Hoke, Bladen, Columbus, and Richmond counties.
— County Manager Kevin Patterson said in his report the order for water and sewer lines construction for the new elementary school has been approved and is contracted to be done in 180 days. A hol up is the need for a 400-foot easement on a part of land but the owner is out of town and tries to contact have been unsuccessful.
— Patterson gave an update on the paving projects, saying paving is to be completed within the week on Covington Street. The Government Complex phase 1 project has been delayed due to weather and a water line rupture.
— The board approved a resolution to support Eastpointe to continue coordinating behavioral healthcare services for Scotland County under a tailored plan.
— The board will begin posting its monthly meetings on a new YouTube channel, Scotland County Government, for the public. Videos also are available on the County website scotlandcounty.org under the Agenda and Minutes tab.
Jael Pembrick can be reached at 910-506-3169 or jpembrick@laurinburgexch.wpenginepowered.com.
