Legislature Democrats Seek Ban on Tax Breaks for Data Centers

The Chautauqua County Legislature has referred a resolution to committee that would prohibit the county's Industrial Development Agency from providing tax breaks to data centers. The measure, sponsored by the Democrats on the panel, was proposed by Jamestown's Fred Larson, who laid out what he called "four simple facts" about such centers during this week's legislature meeting in Mayville. Larson says two of them include public opposition and a "tremendous drain" on electrical supply...

Fred Larson: first two concerns

Larson added that even if a community wants to invite a data center there, they should not offer any tax breaks or other subsidies. Lastly, he says if a community wants to invite such a center to be developed, they should at least received "generous benefits" for hosting one. Robert Bankoski of Dunkirk (pictured) asked to have the bill referred to committee...

Robert Bankoski: questions about the measure

The proposal to refer to committee for further discussion was approved. In addition to a property tax exemption, Larson says the measure would not allow for mortgage recording tax exemptions, as well as sales and use taxes.

Image and audio from Chautauqua County Government