Rural Missouri residents question Google data center tax breaks

Rural residents in Montgomery County, Missouri, are raising questions about tax breaks being offered to tech giants Amazon and Google for their new data center projects. Following a $5 million federal grant to prepare an industrial site, both companies are establishing data centers on nearly 2,000 acres near New Florence. Google announced on May 20 its plan to invest $15 billion in a data center south of Interstate 70, joining an Amazon Data Services project already underway north of I-70.

Local officials, including Presiding County Commissioner Ryan Poston, support the projects, citing potential construction jobs, permanent positions, and millions in annual tax revenue. Google's President Ruth Porat, Gov. Mike Kehoe, and county commissioners attended the announcement event in High Hill, where Porat highlighted Google's support for local training centers. State Rep. Jeff Myers, a Republican representing the area, also noted the tax revenue benefits, suggesting it could alleviate the need for residents to commute for work.

However, some Montgomery County residents, organized by groups like Preserve Montgomery County LLC, have voiced concerns about the lack of public input and transparency regarding the development and associated tax deals. Residents at a May 6 meeting demanded to know why the issue was not put to a public vote. County commissioners are set to hold a hearing on June 8 to discuss Google's proposed 70% personal property tax abatement, which would see Google pay $10 million annually for 20 years in exchange for the tax break. Amazon Data Services is slated to receive similar personal property tax exemptions ranging from 75% to 95% between 2028 and 2052, potentially valued between $244 million and $982 million.