Kevin Carter

Data centers are indeed a huge challenge and there are many issues associated with data center development that make decisions on these matters very difficult.  I am not a fan of data centers; however, they do represent a business segment that provides uniquely high tax contribution.  This "shot in the arm" of revenue is of great concern to me, as I do not want our local government becoming addicted to the additional tax revenues.  Therefore, I advocate for a strengthened fiscal policy that guides the use of any new tax dollars derived from data centers.  This policy should require that a majority percentage of those new dollars be used for Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) infrastructure projects only and not co-mingled with the general fund. 

The best way to mitigate risks to the land, environment, and electrical grid is to limit the number allowed, limit where they can be located, and don’t allow for overhead power lines.  I cannot support littering our beautiful farm land with overhead power lines in exchange for tax income.  

Currently data centers are allowed by-right in the Planned Development Industrial Development (PCID) and Business park (BP) zoning classifications.  In order to strengthen our zoning ordinance, I believe we need to make this use by Special Exception (SE) in both classifications. This will allow a much more vigorous examination of any applications and another opportunity for the community to share their concerns.