Residents urge transparency on data-center NDAs during public comment

Several residents used the board's public-comment period on May 4 to urge greater transparency around potential data-center development and the use of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs).

Shannon Solomon told commissioners, "Using NDAs on data center projects is not governance. It's an ethics failure. You hide the real costs, power demands, water use, traffic impacts, and massive tax breaks from the very citizens you represent." Solomon specifically asked the county to "stop signing NDAs" and to "release the current agreements on the Long Ferry Road project."

Joshua Cool echoed the call for disclosure and asked whether any NDAs have been signed by any member of local government in relation to data-center development, requesting details such as numbers and signatories in a future press release. He said a fast, secretive process disenfranchises community input and urged commissioners to allow meaningful engagement before projects advance.

Chair responded to an initial question about a moratorium vote by confirming the measure had passed and would be effective immediately. Commissioners did not take immediate action at the meeting beyond hearing the comments; staff and commissioners acknowledged the concerns and indicated avenues (future agenda items, press releases) for potentially providing more information.

What happens next: residents requested disclosures and follow-up; commissioners and staff did not commit to a specific immediate action at this meeting but may respond in future communications or agenda items.