Data center lawsuit could cost Inver Grove Heights taxpayers millions; path to avoid it moves forward
A lawsuit over a data center could cost Inver Grove Heights taxpayers up to $20 million, so the city adjusted its moratorium to avoid expense.Summary
City officials in Inver Grove Heights face a potential $20 million liability if a data‑center developer, Q’Levr, wins a lawsuit over a proposed 54,000‑square‑foot facility. The city had approved a one‑year moratorium on data centers, but the developer claims it was in good standing before the council’s approval. Mayor Brenda Dietrich warned that a loss would raise residents’ annual taxes from $1,833 to $3,053, a 67% increase, saying, "A resident’s city taxes would go from $1,833 to $3,053, which is an annual increase of $1,220 or 67%. So, just framing that up in real dollar amounts." The council has moved to exclude Q’Levr from the moratorium to drop the lawsuit, and residents are encouraged to submit written comments; a public hearing may be added before a final vote. Heather Thornton, a resident, said, "That allows our community time to provide feedback to the council, and us sharing our input is one of the most important things that we’ve learned that brings us together as a community in 2026."
(Source：Kstp Television)