Why I support and voted for the data center
I support and voted in favor of the new data center and additional electrical generation. Here are my considered reasons:
The data center represents the largest private investment in Independence’s history.
New Revenue
When completed, the data center will generate up to $35 million annually in revenue for the city’s general fund which pays for basic city services. Those new revenues are primarily from taxing the electricity the data center uses.
Our current city general fund is $85 million. The data center revenue would increase our general fund 30% to 40% annually in years to come.
This new revenue gives us the opportunity to invest in parks, streets, bus service, code enforcement or other city services.
This new revenue could reduce reliance on multiple sales taxes to fund basic city services.
These economic benefits also extend to our school districts, the library, the community college and others.
New generation
Private investment in new energy generation can spur other economic development.
The data center and new energy generation involve NO city debt.
Safeguards
We have worked to safeguard our natural resources. Environmental concerns are regulated by local, state, and federal laws.
The city-approved Chapter 100 agreement requires compliance. The incentives can be revoked if requirements are not met.
We turn our efforts now to enforcement of these covenants.