Citizens Don’t Want Data Center Here

A large crowd of citizens was on hand last Tuesday for the June meeting of the Jeff Davis County Board of Commissioners.
What prompted most of the citizens to attend the meeting was an agenda item entitled “Data Centers – Discuss Moratorium.”
It was clear from comments at the meeting that most of the people in attendance were opposed to the commissioners’ allowing a data center into Jeff Davis County.
Local opponents to the matter are not alone as citizens across Georgia have expressed their concerns about data centers to their elected officials. As a result, local governments in many parts of the state have adopted moratoriums on allowing data centers in their communities until the governments have time to research the matter.
After hearing from the citizens at Tuesday’s meeting, the commissioners agreed to adopt the proposed moratorium.
According to County Administrator Jayme Crosby, the issue arose after a number of citizens had expressed their concerns privately to individual commissioners. Crosby was asked to look into the issue. She contacted County Attorney Tony Rowell who suggested the commissioners could consider calling for a moratorium as other counties he represents have done. Rowell prepared a proposed resolution for the commissioners to consider and, at Tuesday’s meeting, Crosby read the resolution to members of the public in attendance.
“This is a proactive step to help the commissioners to look out for our county,” Crosby said.
Former County Commissioner Myron Sellers was at the meeting and pointed out that there is no land use plan nor zoning in the county other than inside the City of Hazlehurst. He said someone should investigate how a data center would affect the county and said that, among other concerns, data centers consume large amounts of electricity which could result in an increase in energy costs for local homeowners and businesses. Others expressed concerns about data centers using large amounts of water as well.
While Kendrick Pace expressed more positive views of how data centers may create jobs and opportunities for the county, the remainder of the comments were in opposition to the matter.
In other action at Tuesday’s meeting, the commissioners ….
… listened as County Agent Jennifer Miller introduced Madison Britt as a new county 4-H agent replacing Sheila Marchant who recently retired. Madison mentioned to be board she lived in Jeff Davis County for over 20 years.
… agreed to advertise for two openings on the Joint Development Authority.
… heard an update from Crosby. She mentioned that they held a public hearing to discuss the upcoming budget and will have a called meeting to adopt the budget. She also said the courthouse will be closed June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth federal holiday.
… heard an update from EMS Director Andrew Waldron who said the shelter for the coroner’s van and ambulance has been completed. He brought to board’s attention about EMS billing, Medicare does an update every year for what they would pay on the bills. He said that Jeff Davis County is behind on the percentage rate. Waldron asked the board to go up 25%. The commissioners approved the request.
The commissioners held a short executive session to discuss personnel. No action was taken after the meeting was reopened to the public.