Terre Haute's Brandon Sakbun on reelection, data centers, budget
Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun discussed the city's budget and, importantly, the city's stance on future data center developments. He stated that Terre Haute has not been approached by any data center organizations but outlined strict conditions should proposals arise, including no tax breaks, guaranteed stable utility bills and water supply, and financial support for the community. Mayor Sakbun also highlighted Columbus, Indiana's ordinance requiring public input for data center proposals as a positive model.
Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun announced his intention to seek re-election in 2027 and detailed the city's upcoming $142 million budget, which includes a $7 million increase from net assessed value growth and cash reserves. These funds are earmarked for significant quality-of-life and infrastructure projects, such as $4.1 million for street paving and improvements to the Booker T. Washington Community Center. The Mayor also noted challenges from federal funding cuts affecting local organizations.
Addressing the topic of data centers, Mayor Sakbun stated that Terre Haute has not yet received proposals from any data center organizations. However, he outlined a clear set of strict conditions for any future developments: data centers must not receive tax breaks, guarantee no increase in utility bills for residents, assure they will not deplete the city's water supply, and commit to financially supporting community priorities. He pointed to Columbus, Indiana's recent ordinance, which mandates public input for data center proposals, as a beneficial model for ensuring checks and balances.
Sakbun also defended the timing of the city's road construction projects, explaining that delaying work to avoid busy seasons would significantly increase costs, ultimately burdening residents more in the long term.