During public comment, resident Jeremy McShirley urged the council to consider the formation of a new municipality — which he proposed calling 'Deep River' — combining two wards in neighboring jurisdictions to give rural residents more control over incoming development, particularly data centers.

McShirley warned that data centers require significant water and electricity, can consume productive farmland and that, after tax abatement periods end, communities risk having vacant, devalued buildings. He said the affected areas often lack political influence and suggested municipal incorporation as a strategy to preserve rural character and give residents a stronger voice in land-use decisions.

Council did not take action on the proposal during the meeting; public comment was received and recorded. Several council members thanked McShirley for raising the issue and noted the broader regional nature of data-center siting decisions.