Trenton City Council approves data center tax abatement, residents petition for ballot measure

The city of Trenton, Ohio, recently approved a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) agreement which includes a 75% property tax exemption for each building Prologis constructs for its proposed data center over a 15-year period. This decision, described by some as "shoving it down our throat," comes as the data center project moves closer to reality in Butler County.

Under the terms of the agreement, Prologis is expected to create 120 jobs and contribute millions of dollars to the city and local schools over time. However, resident Barry Blankenship argues that the tax abatements mean the city and schools will lose over $2 million annually, money he believes could be better used. Trenton Mayor Ryan Perry acknowledged that the city would receive more revenue without the abatement but defended the decision by stating that nearly every business in Trenton benefits from some form of tax abatement.

In response to the city's action, Blankenship initiated a local petition against data centers, inspired by a statewide effort. The petition is currently under review and is anticipated to be placed on the November ballot, indicating ongoing public opposition to the project despite the city's approval of the incentives. Blankenship expressed resilience and hope among residents, even as they feel their concerns are being overlooked by city officials.