Oregon community members ask where the revenue is if not a data center

Oregon residents, led by Aimee Mottmiller, have successfully gathered the necessary signatures to place a ballot initiative on the November ballot that would amend the city's charter to limit the size of data centers. Mottmiller informed the Oregon City Council at an August 10 meeting that the Lucas County Board of Elections verified the signatures, meeting the required threshold. She urged the council to expedite the procedural steps to ensure the issue is placed before voters within the constitutional 60- to 120-day timeframe, emphasizing that "residents completed their part."

The discussion at the city council meeting also highlighted concerns from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 8, whose political director Evan Morrison spoke about the frequent overlooking of local construction workers in such development projects. He advocated for demanding local workforces and contractors, stating that IBEW Local Union 8 has presented a path for local skilled workers to be employed with good wages and safety standards. Public Service Director Paul Roman affirmed the city's stance on stressing local union labor for any potential data center project.

Amidst the ongoing debate, residents also raised questions about the city's financial future if a data center project does not materialize. Resident Steve Iler challenged arguments against data centers based on low employee numbers, contrasting their potential income tax revenue with that of retail stores like Ollie's Bargain Outlet. He warned that blocking the data center could set a dangerous precedent, stifling future investment and undermining representative government. Similarly, PJ Kaphammer believes the data center is a "dead issue" and urged the city to find alternative funding solutions for the city and school district, which face significant financial challenges.

City council member Kathleen Pollauf expressed respect for the citizens' right to decide via the ballot but also voiced concern about the city's revenue stream without a data center. She highlighted the financial implications for public services like police and fire departments, questioning where funding would come from if the data center project fails. Pollauf emphasized the need for all information, both good and bad, to be shared equally with voters and called for community unity rather than division on the issue.