Data Centers: Big Promises, Few Jobs, and a Heavy Burden on Taxpayers

Good morning fellow Kansans,

We’re hearing more and more talk about data centers possibly coming to communities like ours. On the surface it sounds exciting — high-tech industry, big economic development, maybe even some new jobs. But when you look closer, the picture changes fast.

Data centers create very few permanent local jobs. Most of the work is done by out-of-area contractors during construction, and once they’re up and running, a handful of technicians can operate a massive facility. What they do demand in huge quantities is water for cooling systems and electricity for the servers. That puts real strain on our local infrastructure — the same electric grid and water resources that serve our homes, farms, and small businesses.

Even more concerning for taxpayers: these projects often come with requests for property tax abatements or other incentives. Companies ask the county to reduce or eliminate their tax burden in exchange for “economic development.” The result? The rest of us end up subsidizing their operations while getting little to no meaningful new jobs or long-term tax revenue in return.

As a small business owner who watches every dollar, I believe county commissioners have a duty to protect Geary County taxpayers first. We should never hand out tax breaks or allow major drains on our resources for any industry that doesn’t deliver real, lasting benefits — good-paying local jobs and revenue that actually stays here.

That’s why I think it’s time we have an honest conversation about a possible moratorium on new data centers in Geary County. Not a permanent ban, but a pause so we can clearly define what a data center is, set strict safeguards, and make sure any future project must prove it will be a net positive for our taxpayers and infrastructure before it moves forward.

We need clear standards: no tax abatements, full transparency on water and power usage, and guaranteed local hiring commitments that actually create family-supporting jobs — not just temporary construction work.

This issue is exactly the kind of decision county commissioners will face in the coming months as the budget process heats up and development proposals come in. It’s one more reason I’m carefully weighing whether to run for Geary County Commission.

Over the past month, many of you have encouraged me to consider it. I’ve told each person the same thing: if enough signatures come in to get me on the ballot, I will seriously consider it. Some folks have started gathering signatures for me, and I appreciate every one that comes in. It helps me gauge whether there’s real support for this idea.

I have not made a final decision yet. What I am doing right now is listening. Whenever I see folks around the community, I’m happy to stop and have real conversations about the issues that matter most to you — especially how county decisions on development, taxes, and resources affect your family or business.

If you have thoughts on data centers, examples of how they’ve impacted other counties, or ideas on what strong safeguards should look like here in Geary County, please share them with me. You can reach out directly, send me a note, or connect through www.dave4ks.com. Your input will help me better understand the real concerns on the ground.

Geary County deserves commissioners who will ask the hard questions, put taxpayers first, and make sure any new industry actually benefits the people who live and work here — not just the companies passing through.

I’m weighing whether I can be that kind of leader for our community.

Thank you for the trust so many of you have already shown. I’m grateful for your input as I think through this decision.

Let’s keep talking when our paths cross.

In service,
David Schneider

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