As Reagor Dykes continues its legal battle with Ford Motor Credit Company, towns like Lamesa are already bracing for the economic impact.
The Spike Dykes Ford Lincoln dealership in Lamesa is trying to do business with a very limited staff.
Josh Stevens, the mayor of Lamesa, said if the dealership shuts down, 70 people will lose their jobs.
“First of all, when you hear about that, you immediately think of the 70 employees that work at the company. It’s a very startling situation,” Stevens said.
If it does close, Stevens said it will affect Lamesa’s economy.
“As far as our sales tax revenue, they’re a huge part of our sales tax revenue, we’re definitely going to feel that,” Stevens said.
He said nonprofit organizations will also feel the pinch.
“Where we’ll really feel it the most, I’m afraid, are our community players, our Boys and Girls Club, sports teams and things like that,” Stevens said.
He said it’s just a matter of time before they will know how much this will impact the city.
“Economically, time will tell. It’s kind of like when Walmart closed here two years ago,” Stevens said. “It was quite frightening and a shock phase here in the beginning but you know, things will rebound. They usually do.”
