Oregon community members ask: if not a data center, where is the revenue at?
Community members in Oregon, Ohio, have successfully gathered signatures to place a measure on the November ballot that would limit the size of data centers in the city. The city council is being urged to promptly advance the issue, while discussions also revolve around the potential revenue loss if the data center project does not proceed, and concerns about local labor utilization.
Aimee Mottmiller, an Oregon, Ohio resident, informed the city council on August 10 that the Lucas County Board of Elections confirmed enough valid signatures were collected for a ballot initiative. This initiative, slated for the November election, proposes to amend the city's charter to limit the size of future data centers. Mottmiller emphasized the established 60-120 day timeframe for the council to advance the issue to the ballot, urging prompt action to ensure the election process continues. She highlighted that residents and the Board of Elections have completed their parts, and now the city must fulfill its procedural responsibilities.
Evan Morrison, political director for IBEW Local Union 8, raised concerns about local construction workers being overlooked in such development projects. He noted a trend across Ohio where data center end-users and general contractors partner with out-of-state contractors offering substandard wages and benefits. Morrison advocated for local workforce demands, responsible development, and ensuring local skilled workers are employed with fair wages and safety standards. Public Service Director Paul Roman responded by reiterating the city's consistent stance on prioritizing local union labor for any data center project.
The ongoing debate also includes residents like Steve Iler and PJ Kaphammer, who question the city's alternative revenue plans if the data center project is rejected. Iler argued against minimizing data centers' economic benefits, citing potential income tax revenue from high-paying data center jobs compared to lower-wage retail jobs. He also expressed concerns that the ballot initiative could set a dangerous precedent, stifling future investment and opening the door to "not-in-my-backyard" opposition. Kaphammer declared the data center "a dead issue" and stressed the urgency for alternative funding solutions to address the city's and school district's financial woes, including the need to pay for new firefighters.
City council member Kathleen Pollauf acknowledged the community's division and respected the voters' right to decide on the ballot initiative. She stressed the importance of providing complete and accurate information to voters from all perspectives. Pollauf also voiced strong concerns about the city's revenue challenges, particularly if the data center project fails, questioning how essential services like police, fire, and streets would be funded without additional taxation. She lamented the community's division and expressed a desire for collaborative solutions.