Residents press commissioners over data centers, MediWaste and public‑comment limits

Hundreds of residents filled chambers for the board’s general public comment period, pressing commissioners on a string of community concerns ranging from data centers and a proposed medical waste facility to a cut in public‑comment time.

Several speakers urged the board to restore a three‑minute comment allotment, saying a two‑minute limit undermines public participation. “I do understand that,” one long‑time commenter said when the time limit was first announced, “but I'd really, really appreciate if we can go back to three minutes,” reflecting a view repeated by multiple callers and in‑room speakers.

Public comment also focused on MediWaste, with callers alleging changes between permit materials and on‑the‑ground operations and warning of environmental risks. “If acid eats through the bottom of the truck, guess where it's gonna go? Right into our water table,” one commenter told the board, urging stricter enforcement and more detailed permit review.

Other speakers pressed for caution on hyperscale data centers, asking the board to block facilities that rely on new wells or heavy sewer infrastructure until environmental and sewage‑capacity studies are current. Several speakers asked the commission to defer major land‑use decisions until the county's water study (expected in 2027) is available.

The board did not take policy action directly from public comment, but multiple commissioners acknowledged the concerns and scheduled related agenda items or hearings for follow‑up. The exchange underscored a persistent theme at the meeting: residents want more detailed studies and clearer, earlier notice when large industrial or land‑use changes are proposed.