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Public commenters press commissioners for transparency on data‑center NDAs and project timelines
Summary
During public comment speakers raised questions about an AWS-related data‑center project, the use and status of NDAs, timelines and whether the county will provide whistleblower protections; commissioners discussed moratorium options and public input.
Multiple members of the public used the March 17 comment period to press the Board of County Commissioners for greater transparency about a proposed data‑center project and the county's use of non‑disclosure agreements (NDAs).
Joe Cormier recounted recent Board and Board of Education activity and asked a string of questions: whether the NDA with AWS remains in effect, whether any other NDAs have been signed with developers since, and whether the county will publish a full project timeline including when AWS or developers first approached Constellation and when state permits or studies were requested. Cormier also asked for guaranteed whistleblower protections for staff with relevant information. He characterized delays as eroding trust between taxpayers and elected officials and asked whether the board planned to place moratoria on new agreements ahead of primary elections.
Commissioners responded in subsequent reports that the board has explored tax amendments and planned public engagement (an open house scheduled March 26 with two sessions) and said NDAs in question had expired. Commissioner Hart framed the moratorium he proposed as a tool to allow public input and bring in experts before any large project is approved, saying he wanted the process done right rather than rushed.
No new contractual approvals were taken during the meeting; commissioners scheduled further engagement and described staff and planning commission steps to address tax amendments and other protections if large campuses are proposed.
