Cordele Commissioners hold public hearing for data center ordinance
Cordele commissioners held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance establishing development standards for data centers. Residents raised concerns about water use, infrastructure costs, accountability and environmental impacts, while city officials discussed setbacks, noise limits and utility regulations.
Cordele commissioners held an Oct. 6 public hearing on a proposed city ordinance regulating data centers, even though no operator has formally approached the city. Interim City Manager David Wade said the measure would establish development standards proactively because Cordele currently lacks a land-use ordinance specific to data centers.
Residents Carla Baker and Jessica Rasmussen questioned whether the proposed facility in Crisp County could be annexed into Cordele and expressed concerns about water usage, water quality, infrastructure costs, power, environmental impacts and oversight. Mayor Wesley Rainey said the city could regulate only facilities located within Cordele, while a county-approved project would initially be governed by county rules. Officials said existing utility regulations address wastewater discharges and that the proposed ordinance would include setbacks, a 55-decibel noise limit and removal requirements if a facility ceased operating.