Council Oks Data Center Moratorium, Tax Incentives for 2 New Industries

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council gave final approval to a data-center moratorium, making official something already in place, preventing expanding existing facilities or the construction of new ones.

Council also approved a 40-year fixed four percent tax agreement with a project planning to build a facility between Belton and Honea Path which will include a capital investment of $215.56 million, an average wage of $35.86 an hour, and 217 new jobs. Positioned to produce wood product goods typically found at major hardware retailers like Lowe’s and The Home Depot, the project aims to deliver a significant revitalization to the Belton community.

Council also approved tax incentives for Artiflex, a commercial labeling facility, which proposes a $28 million capital investment and 63 new jobs.

A rarer split decision emerged during the second reading of an amendment to downsize the Planning Commission from nine members to seven. Passing by a narrow 4-3 margin, the measure would eliminate two at-large seats to leave only the seven council-nominated positions; it will require one final reading for formal adoption. The move would return the commission to the pre-pandemic seven members, one from each council district.