Mason County, W.Va. – This Tuesday, voters in Mason County will decide whether to approve an excess levy referendum that would channel an estimated $90.3 million per year from data‑center revenue into the county’s public schools. The measure, if passed, would be added to the existing levy renewal and could generate up to a billion dollars over the next decade.
Why the levy matters to educators
Kat Weiland, a special‑education teacher at New Haven Elementary and a candidate for delegate in District 17, voiced strong support for the referendum. “My livelihood is also on the line,” Weiland said. “There’s a lot at stake, and I understand why some are hesitant, but the schools need this funding to continue serving our children.”
Weiland emphasized that the additional revenue would help maintain staffing levels, support specialized programs, and protect the quality of education for families across the county.
Concerns from taxpayers and community members
Opposition to the measure is being led by Stephanie Butcher, a member of Mason County United. Butcher argues that the levy would place an unfair burden on long‑time residents, especially retirees living on fixed incomes. “It’s a taxpayer issue,” she said. “The data centers won’t be paying it, but neither will the 80‑year‑old couple who have paid their taxes all their lives and now rely on Social Security.”
Butcher urges voters to consider a “no” vote, citing a lack of transparency about how the new funds would be allocated and the desire for a tax break given the county’s financial challenges.
State Treasurer’s perspective
West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack declined to endorse either side, but he clarified the financial mechanics of the referendum. If voters reject the levy, the projected $90 million would remain with the data‑center operators rather than being directed to schools. Conversely, a “yes” vote would allow the levy to be adjusted in future elections.
Pack released a six‑page analysis showing that the two major data‑center campuses in Mason County generate about $200 million in annual revenue, most of which stays within the county, with a portion flowing to the state’s general fund. He expressed empathy for residents worried about the impact of data‑center development on roads, water, and sewer systems, and called for clearer communication to West Virginians about these issues.
What’s at stake
The referendum is framed by supporters as a necessary step to secure stable funding for teachers and students, while opponents view it as a sudden tax increase lacking sufficient oversight. Both sides agree that the data‑center industry is reshaping the local economy, and the outcome will set a precedent for how future technology‑driven revenue is used in Mason County.
Voters will cast their ballots on Nov. 3. The county’s election officials have posted polling locations and hours on the Mason County Board of Elections website. Residents are encouraged to review the Treasurer’s analysis and consider how the levy aligns with their family’s financial situation and the community’s educational needs.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
