Monroe County approves Google data center payments
The Monroe County Commission in Georgia approved a payment plan for a proposed Google data center, which could bring over $1.2 billion to the county and school district over two decades. The vote was 4-1, with one commissioner objecting to the development authority's share, citing residents' desires against more industrial development. The payment agreement still requires bond validation in Superior Court.
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners recently voted 4-1 to approve a payment plan for Google's proposed data center on Rumble Road. This decision focuses on establishing how Google will make payments in lieu of traditional property taxes, with the rezoning for the data center itself having been approved in 2024.
According to the agreement, payments are projected to start at $450,000 in 2027, with the first full year's payment reaching $31 million. By year 20, annual payments could grow to $77 million, totaling over $1.2 billion over more than two decades. This revenue will be split between Monroe County and its school district, with a smaller portion allocated to the development authority for future economic development. The county's share is intended for infrastructure improvements like roads, water, sewer, and public safety.
Commissioner John Ambrose cast the sole dissenting vote, primarily objecting to the development authority receiving 6% of the payment, arguing it would incentivize more industrial development that many residents oppose. The proposed data center has sparked considerable debate among Monroe County residents for over a year, with concerns revolving around noise, power and water consumption, and the potential impact on the county's rural character versus the economic benefits. The payment agreement now proceeds to the bond validation process in Monroe County Superior Court.