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Residents urge caution on proposed data center, citing water and power concerns
Summary
Multiple residents during public comment urged the Council to delay or require developer-funded utility upgrades before approving a proposed data center, warning the city’s aging water and power systems could not safely support large new loads without taxpayer expense.
During the public comment period, several residents voiced concerns about a proposed data center project and its strain on local utilities.
Pat Steed warned that the community’s aging power and water systems could not support a data center without risking blackouts and service failures, including impacts on the nearby hospital, and asked the City to require the developer to fund necessary utility upgrades instead of relying on taxpayers. Bobbie Lequire and Anna Rivera raised similar concerns about water, electricity, wildlife, property values, traffic, construction damage and tax incentives. Rivera also questioned whether local officials were influenced by personal interests rather than community priorities and urged the Council to pursue sustainable revenue options and stronger oversight.
Lee Faulkner, speaking in support of city leadership, said he had sought input from trusted community members who told him the City Manager and Finance Director are competent and provide sound guidance on large decisions like the data center. Council did not take action on the project during the meeting; public commenters asked for greater transparency and protections in any data center negotiations.
