Council

Council, Idaho - Recovery After The Mill Closure

Council, Idaho with a population of 816 according to the 2000 census is holding it's own economically since the shut down of the Boise Cascade Mill in 1995. That's not to say it hasn't had it's ups and downs!

Clearwater Research, a satellite telephone survey business from Boise has announced it will close down in Council, December 20th, 2002 after a 5-year trial-run operating in rural Idaho. Economic downturn in the country, competition in the market and telecommunication costs have been the factors leading to their decision. Workforce, city government and community partnering were reasons given for NOT wanting to pull out of Council, but the bottom line had to be the dollar.

Meanwhile, Western Timber Products an expansion of the Weiser based company is thriving in Council. It has not been in operation a year yet and is about to put on a third line bringing employee counts over 20!! In small town Idaho, that is impressive number of employees in a very short time span.

US Forest Service, Council School District, City and County Government, Evergreen Forest Products and the downtown business district employ the largest percentage of people in the area. Small business start-ups and mom and pops are the life force behind small communities and diversification is the only answer to keeping rural Idaho alive and well.

City Economic Projects:

Mountainview Light Manufacturing Building in the new Council Business Park built on the old Boise Cascade property: Currently houses Intermountain Cabinets owned and operated by Tim Choin.

Creekview Professional Center is also in the Council Business Park. It is set up to house telecommunication and and more high tech businesses: it currently houses Amerititle Inc, and a city conference room. Two-thirds of the building has recently been updated with new carpeting and vinyl flooring.

The new Riverview Building is designed to house light industrial type businesses. It is occupied by Custom Fitness Center, owned and operated by Teresa Ludwig. It was the home of TEC-HVAC, a heating and cooling business for over 5 years. Tim Cameron is still in business but has set up shop at his home how. Currently we have options taken out on the two empty spaces, but please call 208-253-4201 to find out the status on those if interested.

Please call Francee Wassard at Council City Hall for further information about moving your business to Council, to the Council Business Park, to downtown locations or how to find out about property, commercial buildings and housing in the county.  (208-253-4201)