Mason County could lose millions in data center tax revenue as two major projects advance
A report from Treasurer Larry Pack's office estimates that two multibillion-dollar data center projects in Mason County could generate millions in property-tax revenue for schools and local services. However, a West Virginia tax break on high-tech equipment could significantly reduce local revenue, with the Mason County school system potentially losing up to $90 million in additional funding.
Treasurer Larry Pack's office released an analysis of the tax implications of two major data center developments in Mason County, identified as Scale Phase One and Project Tamarac. The projects represent tens of billions of dollars in investment and could produce millions in property-tax revenue for the county, schools and other local services.
The report also highlights a longstanding West Virginia tax provision that provides significant breaks on high-tech data center equipment. Pack said the law, passed more than 15 years ago, did not anticipate the scale of modern data center investments and could leave substantial revenue on the table. The Mason County School Board could lose as much as $90 million in additional funding if a proposed levy fails, while opposition and public pressure surrounding the projects continue to grow.