Commission overturns rules limiting free speech

The Lowndes County Commission faced a contentious meeting on July 12, 2026, where rules limiting public comment were overturned amidst resident opposition to a proposed data center project in Burkville. Chairman Charlie King, Jr. initially intended to enforce existing rules from 2005, which restricted speakers to two minutes and only two speakers per subject, and prohibited "irrelevant, disrespectful, or slanderous remarks."

However, Commissioner Dickson Farrior successfully moved to allow anyone to speak, passing with a two-to-one vote. Social media influencer Gwen Johnson, an opponent of the data center, cited the Alabama Open Records Act, arguing that commissioners cannot ban or threaten arrests for peaceful expressions like clapping or criticism, which she deemed protected First Amendment speech and accused the commission of "viewpoint discrimination."

Several citizens, including Mac McCurdy, Negatha Holt, Shirley McNamee, Diane Stuckey, and Kristen Harrell, then voiced their opposition to the data center development, with some directly criticizing commissioners. Later, Commissioner Farrior's attempt to pass a resolution denying tax abatements to any organization except the data center's owner-operator failed on a three-two vote. Commissioner Robert Harris informed attendees that the Lowndes Commission lacks the authority to halt the project due to the absence of planning and zoning powers in the county.