Bulloch County commissioners adopt 10.260-mill rate, review proposed data center regulations
Bulloch County commissioners reviewed a draft ordinance for future data center development following an extended moratorium. The proposed regulations include specific overlay zones, water and energy requirements, noise limits, and setbacks. Public opposition was noted, though no immediate action was taken on the ordinance.
The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners met to adopt the 2026 millage rate and review proposed regulations for data center development in unincorporated Bulloch County. Planning and Development Director James Pope presented a draft ordinance outlining where data centers could locate and the standards they would need to meet, following a moratorium first adopted in February and extended in May. The draft ordinance classifies data centers into five categories based on size and energy requirements and restricts them to designated overlay areas.
The proposed regulations mandate closed-loop cooling systems, municipal water and sewer connections, noise limits (55-60 decibels), and setbacks from residential and agricultural properties. It also requires impact studies for water, energy, stormwater, sewer, and noise. Commissioner Nick Newkirk questioned the enforceability of fines against large companies and cited strong voter opposition to data centers in May primary ballots, where over 76% of both Republican and Democratic voters opposed them. Chairman David Bennett acknowledged public concerns but stated the proposed overlay districts aim to concentrate projects in appropriate commercial and industrial areas, away from residential and agricultural land.
No immediate action was taken on the draft ordinance by the commissioners, and the Bulloch County Planning and Zoning Commission previously postponed its vote until September 8. The discussion highlighted the county's efforts to balance potential economic development with resident concerns and environmental impacts.