Lamar City Council Enacts 24-Month Data Center Moratorium Amid Public Opposition
The Lamar City Council meeting saw a large public turnout to protest against a proposed data center, with residents primarily concerned about water usage, electricity rates, and pollution. Following the public outcry, the City Council agreed to a 24-month moratorium on any data center development. This decision follows a previous 6-month moratorium enacted by the Prowers County Commissioners.
The Lamar City Council meeting on August 24, 2026, was marked by significant public opposition to a proposed data center, drawing a standing-room-only crowd. Mayor Kirk Crespin had previously gauged community interest via Facebook, receiving overwhelming feedback against data centers.
Twelve citizens spoke during the public comments session, unanimously protesting the potential data center. Their primary concerns revolved around excessive water usage, with additional worries about potential health hazards, spiking electric rates, and increased noise and light pollution. Public sentiment was strongly expressed, with one speaker stating, "we are the future and we can’t drink data" and another fearing the loss of Lamar's small-town charm.
Prior to the main meeting, the Council met with the Prowers County Commissioners to discuss a potential "Big Timbers Technology Campus" site. Mayor Crespin presented on "Community Benefit and Responsible Data Center Development Standards," advocating for joint city and county standards to proactively address issues like water resources, utilities, fiber, noise, and light pollution for future large projects. Despite initial interest in a data center, Council member Brent Bates proposed a 24-month moratorium on data centers, which the other five Council members readily agreed to. This follows a prior 6-month moratorium implemented by the Prowers County Commissioners, effectively halting data center development in the area for the foreseeable future.
Separately, Council Member Brent Bates announced his resignation, citing concerns about information sharing and decision-making processes within the Council.