Saline Township reverses course, gives full tax break to Oracle for data center
The Saline Township Board of Trustees reversed its earlier decision, unanimously agreeing to grant Oracle a full tax break for its data center, valuing it at $43 billion. This decision, based on legal advice, was met with hostility from residents who protested the tax exemption. Opponents are now raising funds for a potential legal battle against Oracle.
The Saline Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved a full Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption for Oracle's data center, valuing the project at $43 billion. This decision, a reversal from earlier in the week, was made after the trustees followed the advice of outside counsel, Attorney David Landry, who stated that a consent agreement required the larger tax exemption and could not be used to stop construction.
The decision faced significant opposition from residents, many of whom were hostile to the outcome and protested the tax break. Township Supervisor Tom Hammond indicated that opponents are still willing to fight the decision, though he did not elaborate on specific strategies. A GoFundMe account has been established by opponents to raise funds for a potential legal challenge against Oracle.