Caldwell County approves $2,000-per-job retention grant to keep Baker's Waste in Lenoir

The Caldwell County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 23 to approve a local jobs retention grant supporting Baker's Waste Equipment following a public hearing.

County staff recommended the grant to keep the Lenoir facility in operation after its acquisition by Iron Crest. Ashley Bolek told the board the proposed investment exceeds $10 million and would retain "150 plus" existing jobs at the 1808 Norwood Street SW site and add roughly 12 new positions over three to five years. Staff proposed grant payments of $2,000 per retained job, up to 150 jobs, subject to a one-year retention period and quarterly payments contingent on the company maintaining at least 90% (135 jobs) of the committed workforce.

Kate Crowley, the project consultant, said the county’s support was meaningful to Iron Crest’s decision to invest in Lenoir. "The support you're considering tonight is so meaningful to Ironcrest to make this investment in Lenoir with Baker's Waste," she said. Jason Stobbs, the general manager for Baker's Waste, thanked the board and described continuity with the company’s past operations in the community.

The Economic Development Advisory Committee recommended approval and staff said funds are available in the sales tax reinvestment fund. After closing the hearing and hearing proponents, a commissioner moved to accept the local jobs retention grant for Baker's Waste Equipment LLC; the motion carried unanimously.

The agreement approved by the board sets grant payments at $2,000 per retained job up to 150 jobs, paid quarterly and reduced pro rata if fewer than 150 jobs are retained (but at least 135). The board recorded no public opposition during the hearing.