Yukon City Council meeting turns heated over data center proposal, mayor recall effort
A Yukon City Council meeting became heated as residents criticized city leaders over a proposed data center development by Beltline. Calls for Mayor Brian Pillmore's recall intensified, with signatures due for a petition. No final decision has been made on the project or land sale agreement.
Tensions escalated at a Yukon City Council meeting as residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed data center development by Beltline and renewed calls for the recall of Mayor Brian Pillmore. The meeting, which saw a large turnout and required an overflow room, was interrupted by two recesses due to heated exchanges between officials and attendees.
Residents from Yukon and Piedmont attended, with many criticizing city leaders for a perceived lack of transparency regarding the project. Speakers urged the council to reject the development and questioned the process, stating, "We don’t want this data center, and instead you do it behind our back."
Though not on the official agenda, the recall effort against Mayor Pillmore dominated public comments, with multiple speakers demanding his resignation. Signatures for the recall petition are due this Thursday. City Manager Jeff Deckard also faced calls for his resignation.
Mayor Pillmore indicated he has not made a final decision on the data center project, noting its potential to increase city revenue by over 60%. Council member Deckard stated he remains neutral on the development. The proposed land sales agreement between the Yukon Municipal Authority and Beltline includes plans for data centers in Yukon, Luther, and Piedmont.