Although it’s still several years from opening, the planned Meta data center in Richland Parish is already making itself felt on the local economy.
Richland Parish Tax Commission Administrator Debby Cooper said sales and use tax collections for Richland Parish are up almost $2 million from last year.
“It’s the first time in Richland Parish’s history sales and use tax collections have passed $20 million,” Cooper said, “And it blew past that by a lot.”
Richland Parish collected a total of $19,285,347.71 in sales and use taxes for the year ending July 2024. For the same period ending in July 2025, collections were $21,305,682.21.
Cooper said much of that increase can be attributed to use taxes, as taxes are collected on items sold in Richland Parish, as well as items delivered for use in the parish, such as dirt, concrete, and building supplies. Much of the spike in sales and use tax collections is believed to have been driven by construction projects as people prepare for the opening of the Meta Data Center.
Ariel view of the Meta Data Center construction site (Courtesy of the Richland Assessor’s Office)
Richland Parish Assessor Lee Brown said the planned plant is also affecting property taxes, but it could be years before a definitive answer to what that effect is will be known.
“Assessors try to stay away from predicting the future,” Brown said. “At present time these sales you may be referring to -- many assessors tend to call them ‘outliers’ -- they are not commonplace, and until the trends continue over a period of time, we try and set them aside as market trends to revisit if they continue.”
Brown added many people have asked whether this will increase their taxes one day. There is no short or exact answer to that question, Brown said.
“My job is to be fair and equitable, and if the higher considerations given become the norm, then I will have to establish a buffer area around certain locations,” Brown said.
Much like when Poverty Point Reservoir opened, land prices rising for residential lots don’t affect land still being used as farmland next to them.
A more immediate concern, Brown said, is new rental property and increases in the price of rental property.
“Rental prices demanded are really keeping us busy,” Brown said. “In the appraisal processes, there are three approaches to determine fair market value -- cost, comparable and income. I always consider all three, but on revenue producing, you may have to really look at the income approach to derive fair market value.”
Complicating the question is the fact the next reassessment year for property taxes isn’t until 2028.
“When that time comes, a lot of things can happen,” Brown said. “More people buying homes could spread out millages, and they could go down. Schools and law enforcement could see an increase in revenue from property taxes, but they’ll also see an increased burden. When we do the reassessment in 2028 and the plant opens, people will have to have some discussions about what that means and how to deal with it.”
One thing already driving a change in property tax assessments is the amount of equipment brought in to work on the Meta site.
“All those big tractors are considered movable property being used in Richland Parish,” Brown said. “They’re taxed as property.”
A major driver of the change in both use and property taxes is Mammoth Industries. Mammoth is currently developing a 130-acre workforce housing complex designed to support the contractor, employees and subcontractors throughout the duration of the Meta project.
The facility will feature modern modular accommodations, commercial kitchen and dining services, laundry and housekeeping facilities, recreation and fitness amenities including basketball and soccer venues and an RV park to accommodate additional workforce housing needs.
Construction groundbreaking began on April 7 and the project is scheduled for completion by November. The contract to provide the housing runs through December 2028.
Mammoth Industries is managing all aspects of site development, installation, and operations, providing a turnkey lodging solution that ensures workforce readiness, comfort, and morale. From land development and infrastructure to ongoing camp management services, Mammoth is committed to supporting this large-scale construction project with best-in-class accommodations and operational excellence.
