By Taylor Kaiser
Mayor Max Taylor and the Council of Aldermen held a public hearing on Tuesday, September 23rd, updating the city’s residents on the annexation of Riot Platforms property.
The usually quiet town, and the greater Navarro County area, has been a subject of interest ever since the bitcoin mining facility began construction in 2022. Established in an unincorporated part of Navarro County, Oak Valley, a population just over four hundred, will begin annexation. While no direct timeline was given, the annexation ordinance has been approved, and the town will now work with the state comptroller and Oncor to finalize the details, with the goal of beginning reimbursements in February 2027.
Oak Valley currently has a budget nearing only $20,000, and the franchise fees from Riot’s electricity usage are expected to net $1.2 million annually, a low estimate according to Mayor Taylor.
Mayor Taylor presented a detailed list of how the money would be divided amongst Oak Valley and the adjacent hamlets, including county seat Corsicana. Improving Oak Valley roads dominated the budget talks, with commentators saying they have more patched potholes than asphalt, as fears the roads may soon be undrivable were voiced.
Giving money to the Oak Valley/Corbet and Retreat VFD’s, building a park, adding to the community center, and grants for flood control, disability, and home improvement were all in the presented plans.
Riot Platforms relationship with Navarro County has been strained as data mining companies across the nation have been scrutinized for their impact on the environment, noise pollution and draining of county resources. Only noise pollution was mentioned by citizens during the hearing, with many irritated at the volume the plant produces.
However, with Riot here to stay, the mayor thinks it is a “no brainer” when it comes to benefitting his community.
Dean Barclay, a thirty-five-year resident of Oak Valley, told NavCo, “Just hope it works. I’m in support of it, if everything sounds like it is.”
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