Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gates County manager urges legislative review of tier designations; public hearing on data centers planned
Summary
County Manager Scott Sauer told commissioners that Gates County remains a tier 2 county under the state's economic-designation system and said the county will advertise a Dec. 17 public hearing to gather input on data centers and a possible temporary moratorium; Sauer also noted he will be out Dec. 19 for surgery and Assistant Manager Warren Perry will cover.
County Manager Scott Sauer briefed the Gates County Board of Commissioners on newly released county tier designations from the North Carolina Department of Commerce and urged commissioners to press the legislature for a review of how the tiers are determined.
Sauer said Gates County continues to be designated tier 2 and urged commissioners to emphasize that the statistical method used by the department should be complemented by on-the-ground review of county conditions when legislators consider grant and program eligibility. He said the designation information "hit my desk today" and suggested commissioners discuss the matter with state legislators.
Sauer also announced the chair asked staff to advertise a public hearing for Dec. 17 to gather public input about data centers that are beginning to show interest in Gates County and "to consider potentially a temporary moratorium," noting that advertising the hearing does not predetermine the board's decision.
Finally, Sauer told the board he will undergo rotator-cuff surgery Dec. 19 and plans to coordinate with Assistant Manager Warren Perry to manage county business in the short term.
No board action was taken on tier designations at the meeting; the announcement sets a path for public input and possible future policy consideration.
