Data center dispute continues as Festus swears in new city council members

Four newly elected Festus City Council members—Karl Weekley, Alan McCarthy, Dan Moore, and Rick Belleville—were sworn in, representing wards 1 through 4. All four new officials have publicly stated their opposition to a proposed $6 billion data center project in the city. Their election comes amid ongoing controversy and public backlash against the development, with many residents speaking out at Monday's city council meeting. The crowd cheered, expressing hopes that the new council members would halt the project. CRG is identified as the company developing the data center, with developer Bob Clark noting that when the process began, data center backlash had not yet intensified. Clark suggested the project would create numerous jobs but acknowledged the public division it has caused. The meeting also highlighted a separate issue regarding the city treasurer's position. Voters raised concerns that Treasurer Laurie Eisenbeis, whose term expires this month after 12 years in the role, did not appear on the April ballot. The city's attorney stated it was the clerk's responsibility to notify election officials, which did not occur, and the clerk took responsibility for the omission.