Several residents used the public‑comment period at the June 26 Stonecrest City Council meeting to raise concerns about data centers, fiscal oversight and local services.

Dave Marcus and Renee Kell warned council that large data centers are expanding regionally and could bring substantial electricity, water and generator (diesel) backup needs that may affect air quality and local utilities. Marcus said data centers create relatively few ongoing jobs but have “tremendous electricity needs,” and that Georgia Power is increasing capacity to serve them. Kell urged more research on generator emissions, water use and local health impacts, noting diesel exhaust contains fine particulates that can worsen respiratory problems.

Marcus also pressed the council on financial oversight. He said the city charter requires the council to hire an internal auditor and to request audit reports at least every 90 days; Marcus said open‑records searches show no internal audit reports since 2021 and urged council members to “trust but verify.” He described recent staff turnover and said the city appears to be behind on financial reports.

Resident A. Caulfield asked for clarity on a reported $1.2 million ARPA donation to the DeKalb County Board of Education and asked how any purported $20 million surplus would be allocated; she asked why basic, low‑cost public‑safety trainings such as CPR were not provided given the claimed surplus. Mayor and staff responded in part: staff reiterated that the city sets the millage but the county performs assessments and issues bills, and that homestead exemptions and a county property‑value freeze are administered by county offices. Council committed to researching and returning with accurate information on the freeze and other concerns.

No formal council action was taken on the public comments; councilors said the issues raised would be researched and, where appropriate, returned to a future meeting for further consideration.