I read the article about Schuylkill Co. drafting data center ordinances. In the article, Mr. Padora said the data centers “could” offset “county” property taxes. Two key words here; Could, and county.

They are still not sure. If you will, take a look at what is happening to Banks Township, and Beaver Meadows. Their school taxes are going up 42%.

The other municipalities in the counties that are part of the Hazleton Area School District, Schuylkill, and Luzerne will be going up only 10 or 12%. That is because Little Leaf lettuce facility was built in Carbon County. Again, this is school taxes, not county taxes. There was no mention about offsetting the school taxes.

Rep. Heffley was present at the meeting that was held to explain, to the residents, the reasoning behind such a discrepancy. The people were told it has to do with some kind of formula that the state has been using since the 60s or 70s. They can’t change it.

In another local newspaper, they said because the Little Leaf Facility has raised property values, in those municipalities (and they are part of HASD.), the increase is justified. Well if 42% is justification what are the taxes going to look like if they build all the proposed data centers in those same municipalities. Has anyone’s paycheck or social security check increased 42%? School taxes are archaic enough, and are fleecing homeowners all these years. It seems like the public has no say at all in what is about to destroy life and our environment, as we know it.

And we are going to be forced to pay for them who are going to do it.

John Matyas

Weatherly