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Residents raise alarms about water sales as commission schedules data-center hearing
Summary
Commissioners said social media has circulated concerns that a proposed data center could "buy up all the water." The board reiterated that water is privately owned and scheduled a public hearing on the data-center appeal for April 27 so the matter can be presented and appealed through formal procedures.
During general discussion commissioners addressed strong constituent concerns circulating on social media alleging a proposed data center would purchase and monopolize local water rights. "They're gonna come in and buy up all the water," one commissioner summarized constituent complaints on the record. (Chair S2)
Several commissioners and staff sought to clarify the limits of county authority and the nature of property rights: a presiding commissioner explained that water is owned by property holders and that selling water is a property right. "It's their right to sell their water if they want to sell their water," the commissioner said, adding that formal appeals and planning-board processes remain the appropriate channels for those who oppose specific proposals.
The commission noted widespread misinformation on social platforms was fueling anxiety in affected communities and said the proper forum to raise objections is the scheduled public hearing. Staff confirmed the hearing will be held at noon April 27 in Conference Room 1 & 2 to consider the data-center appeal and related conditional-use permit appeals; commissioners encouraged residents to participate in the hearing process rather than rely on social posts.
Next steps: The county will proceed with the public hearing; staff were directed to prepare materials and to provide clear, factual summaries of what the commission can and cannot decide regarding water sales and property-owner rights.
