Independence council approves industrial development plan for power plant on IPL land

The Independence City Council voted 6-0 on Dec. 1 to approve Ordinance 25-107, authorizing an industrial development plan for a power generation project at 21500 East Truman Road on land owned by Independence Power & Light (IPL). The measure was adopted on second reading after public comment and extended council discussion.

Citizen Kevin Baird, who registered to speak before the meeting, urged the council to reject the ordinance. He said the proposal was negotiated outside public view to support a private developer’s bid to attract a data center, and warned it would bring “dirty air,” higher electricity bills and long-term tax giveaways. “Do not let this go forward. Vote no,” Baird said during public comment.

Council members who supported the ordinance described the plan as a public‑private approach to a long‑standing capacity problem for the city’s electric system. Council member McCandless said the project supplies generation capacity that can make the city more competitive for business recruitment while allowing the city to continue purchasing energy on the market when cheaper renewable supplies are available. “This is one way to find the opportunity for us to increase our capacity so that businesses want to come here,” McCandless said.

Supporters emphasized that municipal utilities are not regulated by the state Public Service Commission in the same way investor‑owned utilities are, and that the structure proposed is intended to avoid placing the cost burden solely on residential ratepayers. Council member Fierce said the project site is in an industrial area and noted potential revenue to IPL and the city.

Opponents raised health, environmental and financial concerns. During public comment Kevin Baird cited proximity to Spring Branch Elementary, predicted higher bills tied to volatile gas markets, and said the deal would include a 20‑year property tax holiday and an upfront $32 million sales‑tax concession to the developer; council discussion did not confirm those exact contract terms during the meeting. City staff and council did not present a final contract text during the Dec. 1 vote and said discussions and required approvals are ongoing.

The ordinance cleared second reading and passed on a recorded roll call, 6 in favor, 0 opposed. The council also noted related permits and TIF (tax increment financing) items for other projects are on separate timelines; a full public hearing on the Wally’s redevelopment TIF was opened and continued to a special meeting on Dec. 8 to meet notice requirements.

Next steps: council approval of the ordinance allows city staff to proceed with administrative and contractual steps associated with the industrial development plan; any required future approvals or permit decisions tied to construction, environmental review or financing will be scheduled separately and will be subject to public notice.