Resident concerns: data centers' resource use and gaps in special-event permitting process

Two members of the public raised separate but related concerns during the county commission meeting on Aug. 4. Resident Vern Tuss warned that large data centers consume substantial electricity and water, may rely on non-disclosure agreements in negotiations, and could leave lasting local impacts; Linda Brooks submitted written comment urging the commission to adopt County Attorney Morgan Smith's proposed revisions to the county's special-event permit process, citing missing disclosures, campground licensing, and inconsistent public notice.

Tuss said data centers can demand significant energy and water resources and criticized what he described as low-transparency development negotiations. He referenced a 50-megawatt proposal elsewhere and said such facilities can consume "enormous amounts of electricity and water," affecting utilities and wells. Brooks' written comment flagged a July 7 meeting where she said the public saw late paperwork for a pop-up Washoe Park campground and cited MCA 50-52-103 and administrative rule 37.111.1224 for special-event campgrounds; she asked the commission to "heed County Attorney Morgan Smith's legal advice to rewrite the county's special event permit application requirements, and then to legally adhere to your own written process."

Chair Kevin Hart confirmed both the emailed public comment and the in-person remarks would be included in the official meeting record. County Attorney Morgan Smith previously advised that the county should clarify its special-event permit and grant processes by ordinance; Brooks' submission reiterated the call for clearer processes and better public notice. No commission action was taken at the meeting beyond receipt and inclusion of the comments in the record.