LETTER: Data centers could cut Port taxes in half by about 2035

To Ozaukee Press:

There has obviously been a lot of consternation over the Port Washington data center decision-making and approval process. For several reasons, it may be time to move on to a more supportive and less contentious mindset.

First and foremost, it’s a done deal. Mobilization regarding concerns would have better served dissenters nine months ago. Lesson learned. Perhaps those rightfully troubled can now focus their attention on ensuring the least disruptive and impactful powerline route is selected.

Second, there is a substantial potential, and even likely, financial gain from the data centers that arguably has been under sold. The broad job creation and general economic gains are significant and undeniable, but difficult to qualify for each of us as individuals. Maybe we should look more closely at the direct impact for homeowners and indirect for renters.

According to the city website, our current assessed tax base is about $1.75 billion. The level of investment in the data centers could eventually result in an $8 billion to $10 billion valuation. Even if we took a conservative view of the long-term valuation at $3.5 billion, our taxes would be less than half the current level. And if all goes well, we might even pay annual taxes in the hundreds of dollars, instead of many thousands of dollars. That has the potential to make us the envy of the entire state and maybe even the Midwest. 

The stakes are high, but so are the potential rewards. Granted, this part of the overall project’s advantages doesn’t fully kick in until the tax incremental financing is repaid, but that might only take about nine years. Only? Running cities is a long-term play; PW is 177 years old and has a long run left. The mayor and council are making a long-term investment decision for the future of our community.

Finally, there is the issue of trust in our local elected officials. It’s often much easier to complain than to trust. Decision makers have sifted through mounds of paperwork, visited other sites and researched this thoroughly. They have earned the right to make the call and are emotionally invested in our community. 

I’ve spent over five decades living in Port Washington and have yet to meet another person who is more concerned and passionate about Port Washington than our current mayor. I would assume that the council members are also high on the list of those who care deeply about our city. These people certainly aren’t doing their jobs for the financial gain, particularly considering the malicious backlash they are currently enduring.

So, let’s take a step back, learn from this experience, trust and move forward positively—on this front and others in our lives.

Paul Schueller

Port Washington