Residents urge binding community benefits, transparency for Beacon project

At least five residents spoke during the public‑comment period about the proposed Beacon data center, pressing the commission for transparency and community protections. Lucille Kimball Foster asked whether any county staff, utilities or project representatives had signed nondisclosure agreements and requested that any commitments (on rates, fire/ambulance service or other public costs) be binding and available before the public loses leverage. "Will Alabama Power commit that existing residential and small business customers will not pay higher rates?" Foster asked.

Gina Daniels, a Mount Vernon resident, said Mount Vernon has lacked economic resources since a local hospital closure and urged the commission to negotiate upfront contributions for ambulance and fire service, job and education training, and local hiring commitments so that revenue reaches residents. Kathy Odom said she had a trust problem with how data center and solar projects elsewhere had proceeded and asked what state and federal environmental reviews (ADEM, EPA, Corps of Engineers) had occurred; she asked who would cover replacement costs if solar arrays fail in storms. Commissioner Gordon denied signing any NDAs and said he would not sign one if asked. The commission said some matters are legal or contractual and referred specific procurement or confidentiality questions to county administration or the legal department for follow up.