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Public raises privacy and land-use concerns ahead of Smith County data-center hearing
Summary
A citizen urged the board to hold public informational sessions on a draft data-center ordinance, warning data centers pose privacy and agriculture risks; the board agreed to hold education sessions ahead of a joint public hearing set for June 25.
Charles Lisonbee, speaking during citizen's time, urged the Board of Supervisors to schedule public informational meetings before the June 25 joint public hearing on a draft data-center ordinance, and warned about privacy and land-use impacts. "Data centers is a tremendous topic... Data centers is a threat to every single right that the people have, especially the privacy right," Lisonbee said.
Lisonbee asked for a longer speaking slot at the next meeting and asked the board to consider community education. County staff and supervisors discussed providing an educational session before the hearing and moving the hearing to a larger venue (middle or high school auditorium) if turnout requires it. The county administrator said staff had prepared informational materials and could run a 5–7 p.m. education session before the joint hearing.
Supervisors emphasized the hearing is to consider an ordinance amendment, not to approve a specific data-center project, and encouraged citizens to contact staff in advance with questions. The board scheduled outreach steps and directed staff to publicize an informational meeting in advance of the June 25 hearing.
