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I've heard quite a bit about the arrival of Facebook, from the time Jason Carr of the Central Oregon Office of Economic Development was pushing the City Council to grant extreme tax incentives and vote without knowing the name of the developer, to now, when the "spin" being given is that the project will bring jobs to the community, and will encourage "green" construction.  Hogwash!  The rich get richer, and the people of Crook County will pay for it.

As the former Mayor of a small town, I am sad to see the financial benefits being given away to this Corporate giant.  All of the taxes which are being waived will have to be paid by citizens of the City, because Facebook will need City Services like any other development, including police protection, fire protection, sewer and water availability, and other system development services.

The employment of 35 individuals to run this service center will not come close to defraying the burdens being put on the shoulders of other Prineville taxpayers, and the "35" number is not even required for three years.  Even if every one of the 35 employees spends all his or her salary in Prineville, the cost of the free tax ride will outweigh the benefits.

Too bad the City Council wasn't given a little time by the promoters in the mis-named Economic Development office to really evaluate the long-term effect.  Mr. Carr was so eager to have his first "sale" completed that he coerced the Council like a used car salesman.  "If you don't accept this week, they will look elsewhere".

If Jason Carr is still around in three years, ask him to evaluate the benefits to Prineville.  Shouldn't take long.

Ed Sites, Madras, Oregon

posted 3 years, 3 months ago
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