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County told HB2610 could provide long tax breaks to data centers; lobbyists press for water safeguards
Summary
At the Feb. 4 legislative briefing, contract lobbyists said House Bill 2610 would create a state certification process that could allow data centers to receive decades-long state tax relief; lobbyists urged closed-loop water requirements, developer-funded infrastructure, and mandatory local water‑provider coordination to protect county ratepayers.
Contract lobbyists Steve Bell Serovich and Tim Coleman briefed the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners on House Bill 2610 on Feb. 4 and warned the board that the measure — which has been introduced previously — could offer significant tax incentives to qualified data centers while creating major local water and wastewater considerations.
"If computer center developers meet all certain criteria, they can forfeit state sales tax for the next 20 years and then an additional 10 years," Steve Bell Serovich said, summarizing the incentive structure described in the bill.
Why it matters: Lobbyists said data centers use substantial amounts of water and electricity and that Elbert County’s combination of available transmission and proximity to population centers could make the county an attractive location for such projects. The county was urged to press for a water plan and wastewater safeguards in any certification process.
Recommended protections: The lobbyists said they are pushing for language requiring closed‑loop water systems, mandatory developer coordination with local water providers, and provisions to ensure developers pay the cost of any additional water infrastructure so ratepayers would not bear the cost. They also noted closed‑loop systems reduce consumption but create concentrated wastewater streams that need special disposal planning.
Status and next steps: The bill was introduced in a prior session and died for lack of sufficient safeguards; lobbyists said proponents appear open to amendments and county staff will continue to track the bill and proposed wastewater language.
