County approves 80 % tax break for new data center project

CyrusOne operates over 55 data centers across the United States, Europe, and Japan. Above, Medina County Chief Bailiff Lee McVey accepts an award commemorating his retirement during ceremonies at Commissioners Court proceedings. A 12-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, McVey previously served 23 years with the Castroville Police including 14 years as chief. “I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to work here,” McVey told the commissioners. “It’s always been a pleasure to work here and I’m going to miss everyone,” (Photo by Anton Riecher)

By Anton Riecher
As incentive to snare the region’s latest proposed digital data center, Medina County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to approve an abatement totaling 80 percent of the county maintenance and operation taxes due during the initial 10 years of the $600 million CyrusOne project near Castroville.
County Judge Keith Lutz forecast that the action will mean $78.9 million in revenue for the county and other taxing entities during the project’s first decade.
“Just for clarity to make sure everybody understands, this is 80 percent of the maintenance and operations (M&O) portion of our taxes only,” Lutz said.
The abatement excludes the county’s farm-to-market tax rate and the ad valorem tax levy for payment of debt services.
A motion by Precinct 2 Commissioner David Lynch to approve the tax abatement was seconded by Precinct 3 Commissioner Larry Sittre.
The new CyrusOne site, located approximately 3.75 miles west of Castroville, will be the home of a 500,000 square-foot data center facility. Plans allow for the construction of a second such structure at the site in the more distant future.
At the commissioners meeting…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!