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Resident urges Cookeville to reject data centers, citing water and power concerns
Summary
Sam Mattson, a Cookeville resident, told the council during public comment that data centers consume large amounts of electricity and water, produce few local jobs relative to claims, and could shift utility costs onto residents; he urged the city and county to 'flex its muscle' and refuse proposals.
During the non-agenda public comment period on May 21, resident Sam Mattson urged Cookeville City Council and Putnam County to oppose proposals for data centers, arguing they consume substantial electricity and water, provide fewer local jobs than advertised and can leave residents to shoulder increased utility costs.
"We don't need them here," Mattson said. "Data centers take money out of our pockets. They use a lot of electricity and water, and often it winds up us who winds up footing the bill for that." He contrasted data centers with recent announcements of manufacturing projects that create more jobs, and asked the council to resist any proposals that come forward in the coming months.
Council did not take action on the comment; staff and council members did not immediately respond with policy directions during the meeting. Mattson’s assertions were presented as his opinion and there was no formal debate or staff report in the transcript that verified the claims. Council members may consider the topic in future agenda items if a formal proposal is submitted.
