Caddo Parish commissioner seeks moratorium on data center tax incentives

Caddo Parish Commissioner John Paul Young is advocating for a two-year moratorium on tax benefits for future data center projects within the parish. The proposed resolution, discussed at a recent work session, aims to pause incentives for new facilities or expansions, requiring them to pay standard property taxes while still benefiting from a state-authorized 0% sales tax rate. Young expressed concerns about the "unanswered questions" surrounding data center developments, prompting his call for more stringent regulations.

During the meeting, Parish Attorney Donna Y. Frazier advised the Caddo Parish Commission that a moratorium cannot be legally enacted through a resolution, citing the parish charter and Louisiana Revised Statute 33. Frazier clarified that establishing an ordinance to regulate land use requires an existing master plan and zoning ordinance, which Caddo Parish currently lacks. She suggested that developing a master plan is the necessary path forward for implementing such regulations.

Additionally, Commissioner Ken Epperson introduced a separate resolution calling for environmental studies on current data center projects in Caddo Parish. Both resolutions were ultimately referred to the special projects committee for further review. The meeting also saw some residents escorted out by Commissioner Greg Young due to disruptions during the discussion.