Ellis County hears pitch for 900‑acre Weston Holiday data‑center and 75% abatement; no county action

Developers and city officials presented a detailed plan on the Weston Holiday Technology Park — a proposed data‑center campus annexed into the City of Red Oak — and asked Ellis County to consider a tax abatement for an initial phase of the project. The commissioners took testimony and questions but did not vote on a county abatement at this meeting.

Mike McDaniel, a developer, described the site as “just over 900 acres” and said phase 1 would occupy roughly 207 acres and be delivered in tranches as electrical capacity becomes available; he said the team is targeting a first tranche of power in 2029–2030. Rich Winterman, chief financial officer for Diode Ventures, and city economic staff supported the presentation.

Lee McClary, Red Oak’s economic development director, summarized projected local impacts: “25 direct jobs, 24.3 indirect jobs, a total of 49.3 jobs,” with average salaries he described as “north of $80,000 a year.” McClary outlined phase‑1 capital figures the presenters provided: approximately $790 million in building improvements and $1.4 million in business personal property (servers), with a total phase‑1 capital investment figure the presenters tallied in the billions for full build‑out. The presenters said they are seeking a 75% abatement on building improvements and business personal property for seven years for the county portion of taxes.

Presenters and county staff discussed power and interconnection timelines. McDaniel said the project has completed an initial steady‑state study and is coordinating interconnection work through Navarro Electric, which in turn coordinates with Brazos and ERCOT; he said that work supports the 2029–2030 power expectation. Commissioners pressed presenters on SB 6 implications and generator run‑hour waivers; presenters said those regulatory and permitting questions are being addressed as part of interconnection and permitting work.

Ferris ISD Superintendent Hector Madrigal spoke in favor of the county and school district receiving new revenue but acknowledged state‑level recapture (the “Robin Hood” school finance rules). He said he had discussed options with the district’s financial advisor and that the district expects to benefit from additional revenue that could offset debt or lower the tax rate. Madrigal told the court the district views the project as a net positive for local educational resources.

County commissioners and economic‑development speakers emphasized regional competition for large data‑center investments and urged the court to weigh the long‑term benefits of infrastructure that can attract additional projects. Alan Hugley and Todd Fuller, representing local economic development interests, urged continuity in negotiated terms, stressing that changes late in negotiations can jeopardize deals.

No action was taken by the commissioners on a county tax‑abatement agreement at this meeting; the presenters indicated the item will return for further consideration on the court’s December 9 meeting agenda. The presentation included technical, fiscal and school‑finance details and concluded with commissioners asking staff to return with any needed clarifications.