Residents and interest groups used the county’s public-comment period to voice opposing and supportive views about a proposed data center near Hermantown.

Jeffrey Donahue, speaking for the Stop the Hermitown data center group, said volunteers had knocked on more than 1,000 doors and reported roughly "98% against" a data center in the north. "The people of the North do not want a data center in Hermantown," Donahue said, and he called nondisclosure agreements associated with negotiations "disrespectful to your constituents." He asked the county to "submit a letter to the city of Hermantown saying we don't support it."

Donahue referenced large institutional investors while stressing local opposition. Some of his remarks included censored language in the transcript; board staff interrupted to ask for nonprofane language.

Later in the public-comment period, Clayton Childs, who identified himself as a lifelong St. Louis County resident, said simply, "I do support the data center," presenting a direct local counterpoint to earlier opposition.

The excerpt includes public requests that the board formally communicate opposition to Hermantown. The transcript does not record any formal action by the board in response (no motion, vote or letter was recorded in the provided segments).