Riot Faces Backlash in Navarro County: Seeking Positive PR and Tax Abatement

Riot Faces Backlash in Navarro County Over Tax Abatement Request

The tech company Riot is facing pushback from local residents in Navarro County, Texas, over its request for a property tax abatement worth $6 million over 10 years. Riot has been seeking the tax discount since February 2022, but the county government has withheld approval due to opposition from a protest group and other residents.

The company views the annexation by Oak Valley as an opportunity to improve its public image and gain support from the local community. Riot’s Chief Financial Officer, Brewer, acknowledges that the annexation would not provide immediate financial benefits but sees it as a chance for positive PR.

Riot’s plans for a facility in Navarro County hinge on the approval of the tax abatement. Company spokesperson Morgenstern emphasizes the importance of the discount in making the project economically viable. However, residents opposing Riot raise concerns about noise pollution, resource usage, and potential impacts on energy prices and the power grid.

Despite Riot’s efforts to address these concerns through community initiatives and meet-and-greet sessions, the backlash against the tax abatement persists. County commissioners recently declined to vote on the matter, postponing a final decision to a later date.

In the meantime, Riot continues to seek ways to win over local residents and secure the tax abatement. The company has already donated over $100,000 to local schools and initiatives and is exploring strategies to improve public sentiment. The annexation by Oak Valley could present a new opportunity for Riot to build support and move forward with its plans in Navarro County.