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Residents urge budget billing and voice opposition to a proposed data center during Highland public forum
Summary
At the Feb. 2 Highland City Council public forum residents requested budget billing to ease volatile utility bills and an emailed commenter objected to a proposed data center; city staff said no data-center proposals are pending and explained permitting steps.
Several residents used the Highland City Council public forum on Feb. 2 to raise personal concerns about utility billing and to register opposition to a proposed data center.
Liz Vaughn told the council she attends meetings regularly and offered a prayer for guidance to those serving the community. "I intentionally bring with me well wishes for guidance to those serving our area," she said.
Resident Yvonne Kaeser described recent utility bills and urged the city to offer budget billing to spread costs. Kaeser said she had one month of utility billing at $300 last year, two months at $300 so far this year, and is "looking at $400 this next month," and emphasized that budget billing would help households that must prioritize rent, medical expenses and food. Deputy City Clerk Chris Flake said he is following up with her.
Deputy City Clerk Chris Flake also read an email from Kathy Brown stating she opposed a proposed data center in town. Mayor Kevin B. Hemann responded that there was "nothing on the agenda talking about a data center." City Manager Conrad told the council the city currently has no data center proposals, noting such facilities generally look for areas with 230 kV power and that any proposal would first go to Planning & Zoning and require a special-use permit before coming to the council.
The public forum comments did not produce formal council action at the meeting; staff said they would follow up with residents where appropriate. The council adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
