About 400 fill high school gym’s stands over Festus data center agreement

A contentious Festus City Council meeting drew approximately 400 residents, primarily to oppose a proposed data center development by CRG of St. Louis. Mayor Sam Richards had announced on March 20 that the city reached an agreement framework with CRG for a data center north of Hwy. 67 and west of Hwy. CC. The council has scheduled a special meeting for March 30 for a possible vote on the development agreement, which will include a public comment session. Attendees at the four-hour meeting expressed strong opinions, with about 40 speakers opposing the project and 10 speaking in favor. Opponents, including residents Mary Fakes, Andrew Shelley, Lori Merriman, Mary Youmans, Gwen Mercer, and Roslyn Daniels, voiced concerns over increased water and electricity bills, potential pollution, health impacts, and decreased property values. They also criticized city officials for a perceived lack of transparency and called for current council members to be voted out. Proponents, such as James Gerding and Joe Maddock (president of the Jefferson County Republican Club), highlighted the project's financial benefits for the city and county, including substantial jobs and an estimated $6 billion initial investment. Richards reiterated his support for the project despite public outcry, declining to elaborate. CRG President Chris McKee previously stated that CRG, the data center development arm of Clayco, would develop the property, though no specific data center operator has been announced. The proposed agreement includes $1.3 billion in property taxes, utility taxes, and community benefit payments over 25 years, a $45 million community benefit over 10 years, and up to $5 million for a new firehouse. CRG committed to not seeking real property tax abatement and paying for all energy usage, expanded energy infrastructure, and water/sewer improvements, while the city agreed to support CRG's application for partial personal property tax abatement from the Jefferson County Port Authority. The plan also includes a voluntary buyout program for 12 nearby homes.