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Residents and some speakers question net jobs and tax benefits from data centers
Summary
Speakers acknowledged potential tax revenue but warned that data centers typically deliver few long-term local jobs and could strain utilities; several urged stronger guarantees of community benefit if a center were ever proposed.
The hearing featured discussion of potential economic benefits and drawbacks. Some speakers acknowledged the desire for economic development in a region with limited job growth, while others said large data centers often bring networked tax revenues but few local operating positions.
Matt Prater noted there have not been "a great expansion of long term jobs" from centers in parts of Virginia, while others urged the county to insist on clear commitments to local hiring or community benefits before even considering permits. Several speakers said, even assuming property tax impacts, residents could see higher monthly utility bills if the grid is strained.
County staff said the ordinance's focus is land-use regulation; specific tax incentives or economic development agreements would be addressed separately by the Board or economic development entities and were not part of tonight's ordinance discussion.
