Palm Beach County officials vote against hiring data center consultant — for now
Palm Beach County commissioners voted 4-1 against hiring an outside consultant to advise the county on data center development, citing concerns about taxpayer costs and the need for additional review. The decision follows the county’s approval of a one-year moratorium on new data centers, amid resident opposition over noise, electricity use, water consumption and community protections.
Residents speaking at a Palm Beach County zoning public hearing urged commissioners not to spend up to $225,000 on a consultant to study data centers, with some arguing that the county should not approve any new facilities. Critics questioned the consultant-selection process and said taxpayer money should not be used to advance further data center development.
The Palm Beach County Commission voted 4-1 against hiring the consultant for now. One commissioner called the proposal a waste of taxpayer funds, while another said expert advice could help officials evaluate issues including noise, electricity, water use and safeguards for nearby communities. Commissioners plan to consider creating a resident task force and reviewing other consulting firms at a Nov. 18 zoning hearing, following the county’s approval of a one-year moratorium on new data centers.