Residents ask commissioners to rethink incentives, IRBs and prepare for data centers

During the public-comment period several residents pressed the commission about industrial revenue bonds (IRBs), tax-incentive deals and the potential arrival of data centers. One commenter told the board there are "11 active IRBs, that go anywhere from termination date of '27 to '34," and cited a Kansas Reflector report that the annual number and value of IRBs in Kansas have risen sharply. The commenter asked whether Montgomery County Action Council or other third-party contractors are brokering deals without sufficient county oversight and recommended studying incentive terms, including clawback and exit clauses, to protect county revenue.

Another resident urged commissioners to read the Cherokee Nation Data Center study and suggested a moratorium not to stop projects but to give the county time to negotiate terms that secure long-term revenue and limit downside risk. "If it's inevitable, I think that it's time now to ... give careful thought ... to a moratorium," a commenter said, urging the commission to ask for incremental revenue thresholds and exit clauses for data centers. Commissioners acknowledged the concerns, said they are aware of offers being made, and noted cities retain jurisdiction for site-specific negotiations while the county can consider countywide policy approaches.

Speakers recommended greater transparency around Montgomery County Action Council's role and called for clearer public explanations of why the county participates or declines in specific incentive programs. Commissioners asked staff to review studies and correspondence and to return with options for clearer policy and communication.