Residents press Butler County on data-center rules and transparency

Dozens of residents used the public‑comment period at the Sept. 1 Butler County Commission meeting to demand clearer rules and more transparency around draft data‑center regulations. Kathy Crook of Benton Township said she only learned about discussions weeks ago and asked the commission to disclose whether non‑disclosure agreements (NDAs) exist and whether the public would be told if staff or the county had signed them. “If there is such a clause, I would think that would be a huge red flag because that's keeping information from the public,” Crook said.