Polaris Data Center Faces Job Uncertainty after Annexation Vote
MUSKOGEE, Okla. – Employees at the Polaris Technology Data Center are raising concerns about potential job losses following the Muskogee City Council’s recent decision to annex the land on which the center operates. The council approved the annexation with a significant caveat: a 3% fee on electricity, which Polaris estimates could cost them up to $5 million annually.
Dan Chepkauskas, Polaris’s Government Affairs Officer, expressed frustration over the financial implications of the annexation. He emphasized that while the annexation itself may not be the primary issue, the additional fee linked to electricity usage—a critical resource for the data center—poses a significant threat to the company’s viability in Muskogee. “Why the big rush to make this happen…when you’re not considering all the unintended consequences?” Chepkauskas questioned, highlighting the potential jeopardization of the company’s operations and future expansion.
Polaris, established in Muskogee in February 2024 with a $1 million investment, focuses on data mining and cryptocurrency. Employee Jonathan DeMario warned that the financial strain could threaten approximately 80 jobs, a number that could grow to 200 in the future, affecting families in the community.
Kimbra Scott from the Port of Muskogee defended the annexation process, stating the plan had been in development since 2012 and was not unexpectedly imposed on Polaris. The city emphasized that the move was designed to ensure fairness for both residents and employers, requiring companies to contribute to the infrastructure they utilize.
As the city plans to hold a public hearing on the annexation, stakeholders remain hopeful for a resolution that supports local job preservation while ensuring the city’s needs are met.
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