Commissioners to discuss creation of data center authority

Coweta County Commissioner Al Smith has put forward a proposal for the creation of a data center authority, aiming to establish more comprehensive oversight for data center operators within the county. The Coweta County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to discuss this initiative during its June 11 work session. Commissioner Smith presented the idea during a recent board meeting, drawing parallels to existing authorities for other sectors like food and roads. He emphasized the necessity for an entity that could rate data centers based on their power and water consumption, despite the county having spent a significant portion of 2025 drafting a general data center ordinance. However, the scope and specific criteria for this proposed authority remain undefined, with Smith acknowledging the need for expert consultation. Commissioners John Reidelbach and Jeff Fisher expressed skepticism about the proposal, questioning the board's ability to dictate business operations and the legal implications of forming such an authority. The discussion is set to continue as the board explores the feasibility and necessity of the new regulatory body.