Residents urge early hearings on data‑center rules, raise concerns about ALPR and camera data

Several residents used the public‑comment period to press the board on technology and process. Roy Taylor asked that planning and zoning hold public hearings at the beginning of the data‑center ordinance process rather than seeking input after a draft is nearly finished. "I am here to request that the commissioners direct the planning and zoning...to hold public hearings in the beginning and during," Taylor said.

Thomas Weaver raised concerns about possible misuse of the county’s ALPR database, referencing the arrest of multiple sworn deputies for alleged abuse and urging the board to use fiscal authority and oversight to rein in misconduct. "Cherokee County recently saw the arrest of the 3rd, perhaps 4th sworn deputy now for the abuse of the ALPR database," Weaver said. Scott Schwitters also urged strong safeguards around camera data, acknowledging public‑safety benefits but calling for protections against abuse.