Chamber presents tax‑yield figures and project pipeline; commissioners press over data‑center outreach

Michael O’Looney, vice president of economic development at the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, presented a 36‑month summary of tax yields and a pipeline of economic projects that the Chamber said would expand the local tax base and create jobs. O’Looney listed completed projects and code‑named prospects (solar plants, battery energy storage, rail‑port work and manufacturing expansions) and said projects the Chamber worked on produced measurable tax yields to the county and local taxing entities.

The presentation moved into a pointed public discussion when a commissioner expressed strong concern about data‑center development and transparency, saying county residents had not been adequately consulted about large projects and questioning Chamber leadership’s advocacy. The commissioner said, in part, “I don't believe a word any of them say,” and urged that any courting of large developments include earlier engagement with affected precincts. O’Looney responded by describing the Chamber’s approach to smart growth, saying he moved to the community to stay and that his office seeks durable, long‑term employers rather than speculative projects. He also acknowledged the controversy around certain proposals and said the Chamber aims to remain at the table to provide constructive input rather than shut out potential partners.

The exchange underscored a recurring local tension between attracting large projects and community concerns about long‑term impacts. Commissioners requested continued updates; no funding vote or new contract was approved during the session.