Liberty approves $229 million in tax breaks for huge new $1.4 billion data center

The Liberty City Council has approved $1.4 billion in bonds and over $229 million in tax abatements for Metrobloks, a national company, to construct a 600,000-square-foot hyperscale data center on 28 acres in an industrial area. This decision follows a previous approval of the project itself in December. Liberty Mayor Greg Canuteson stated that this is a significant step towards building a high-tech foundation for the city's economy, noting that the Metrobloks project is part of a trend of large data centers locating in the Northland region, including Google and Meta facilities. Economic Development Director Brandon Smith detailed the financial structure, explaining that the $1.4 billion bond investment is split between real and personal property, with Metrobloks responsible for payment. The 25-year tax breaks include a 75% real property tax abatement for 25 years and significant personal property tax abatements. Despite these incentives, local taxing jurisdictions like the Liberty School District and Clay County Senior Services are projected to receive nearly $49 million in revenue over 25 years, a substantial increase from current levels. The project is anticipated to create about 30 high-paying jobs, along with numerous construction roles. However, resident Maggie Duffin raised concerns about the substantial tax breaks for a private corporation, as well as potential impacts on utility bills and noise/light pollution. Smith addressed water concerns by stating Metrobloks will utilize a "closed loop system," reducing water consumption by 85% compared to an office building. Jason Klindt of Evergy also suggested the data center could positively impact energy rates by driving down fixed costs. Mayor Canuteson reiterated the city's belief in the project's long-term benefits, citing its industrial location as a factor that will minimize neighborhood impact from light and noise, and expressed confidence in the community's overall gain from the development.