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Public raises concerns about data‑center easement; board votes to meet in executive session on a property sale
Summary
A resident asked the Perry Local School District board to weigh long-term costs before accepting a developer’s offer to buy a walking‑path easement; the board then voted to enter executive session to discuss a property sale under Ohio law.
A public commenter urged the Board of Education of Perry Local School District to scrutinize a proposed deal in which a data center developer would purchase a walking‑path easement on Champion Farms in exchange for funding district needs such as a scoreboard and classroom hearing aids. The comment, delivered during public participation, noted ongoing liability, maintenance obligations and potential wetlands and permitting costs that could fall to the district.
“The cost is not simply a one‑time cost for our district,” the commenter said, urging the board to consider liability insurance, construction and long‑term operational oversight as well as possible U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and EPA permits. The speaker also cited the district’s five‑year forecast — which shows projected deficit spending in some scenarios — as a reason for caution about accepting developer‑funded recreational infrastructure.
Board members and staff responded that five‑year forecasts are planning tools that routinely show varying scenarios. Chief financial officer Migl emphasized that forecasts include only known, verifiable items: “We can only put in what we know right now, not what we might do or plan to do,” Migl said, noting the district monitors favorable and unfavorable projections while working with state partners and the village on potential impacts from the data‑center project.
Later in the meeting a board member moved, and the board seconded, to adjourn to executive session under Ohio Revised Code section 121.22(G)(2) to consider the sale of property where public disclosure could give a competitive or bargaining advantage. The motion passed by roll call; the board stated there would be no formal actions following the executive session.
The public comment and the executive session motion bring the developer proposal and any potential land transaction into the board’s confidential deliberations; board members said they would continue discussions with village officials and stakeholders and return to the public record with any formal proposals or votes.
