The biggest building in Lewiston has a big committee to mull its fate.

A 15-member panel empowered to evaluate the viability of Bates Mill No. 5 has been named by Mayor Laurent Gilbert. It includes entrepreneurs, developers, economic development experts, historians, elected officials, policy analysts – one representative from about every discipline.

While there’s little debate that the destiny of the Bates Mill is an important taxpayer issue – the building costs taxpayers $400,000 annually for what is essentially life support – it’s unclear what new conclusions this sprawling committee can draw for the monstrous old building.

Years of public ownership, as part of the Bates Mill Enterprise Complex, hasn’t ignited the ambitious redevelopment hoped for the mill. This leaves Lewiston with only two rational options: razing or renovation. Since the latter has yet to occur, odds of the former increase each passing day.

Though Gilbert has been accused of stacking committees through his choice of assignments, his selections for the Bates Mill Task Force are sensible. By including a variety of viewpoints, Gilbert has positioned the committee to explore every possible avenue for the building.

But the task force’s size, like the mill, makes it unwieldy. Its greatest asset – diverse perspectives – could lead to intractability. It’s hard to believe this varied group can arrive at a consensus decision, given the backgrounds and interests its membership represents.

This committee promises spirited debate, but not necessarily progress, as there are only two real options for Bates Mill No. 5 – keep it up, or bring it down – regardless of how long, or how many, people talk about it.