Columbia County manager defends growth plan, says data centers could help cut property taxes
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Summary
County Manager Scott Johnson framed long-term population growth as inevitable, defended the comprehensive plan that designates land for data centers, denied allegations of bribery, and said state legislation to allow homestead tax relief for counties has advanced through a key committee.
County Manager Scott Johnson said Columbia County's long-term growth is "part of our DNA" and defended the county's planning approach while addressing concerns about data centers and development.
Johnson opened the County Compass podcast by placing recent development debates in historical context and citing census trends, saying the county has recorded double-digit growth since 1950 and noting a period of roughly 80% growth between 1970 and 1980 and a 40% rise from 2000 to 2010. He said estimates show about 7% growth since the 2020 census.
Why it matters: Johnson argued that careful planning is necessary to manage growth without sacrificing services. He said some parcels under consideration for data centers were otherwise likely to host "hundreds, if not thousands" of houses, which would add substantial traffic and demand for services.
Johnson said the county is still waiting for building plans for any data center in Columbia County and that a future episode will cover those projects in detail. On the potential fiscal tradeoffs, he said data centers could generate enough revenue to significantly reduce property taxes: "based on our research and everything we found, we feel like it's the safest industry to bring to Columbia County that will produce tremendous amounts of revenue, so much so that we can, eliminate property taxes." (Scott Johnson)
On allegations of improper conduct tied to data-center projects, Johnson responded directly: "I've heard everything from bribes and payoffs to insider favors to elected officials and staff just trying to ruin our county. And I'm gonna sit here before you today and tell you that's all untrue." He described a now-dissolved consulting company he once ran and said the business no longer exists and he devotes his time to county work: "It doesn't even exist." (Scott Johnson)
Johnson also reported a state-level development: "Representative Richardson actually dropped the legislation... the Columbia County bill to allow us to set up this Homestead tax relief grant passed 2 ways and means subcommittees last week and passed the full ways and means committee." He cautioned the bill still must clear rules and the House and then the Senate.
The episode emphasized the tradeoffs officials weigh between preserving rural character and funding public services. Johnson urged continued public participation while arguing that the county must plan for growth to sustain infrastructure and recovery capacity after emergencies.
Next steps: Johnson said the county will continue discussions, provide more details on data-center proposals when building plans arrive, and keep working with state legislators on the homestead tax relief proposal.
