Candler County commissioners hear public comment on data centers
Candler County Board of Commissioners heard public comments on a proposed data center near Metter Municipal Airport, with residents expressing varied opinions. Some residents called for a six-month moratorium on data center decisions due to concerns. No formal application has been submitted to the county, and the Metter City Council is also considering a separate project within city limits.
The Candler County Board of Commissioners recently held a public meeting to address a proposed data center development near the Metter Municipal Airport, an agenda item that drew significant community attendance and diverse opinions. While no formal application has been submitted to the county board, residents expressed both support for the potential economic benefits, such as tax relief, and strong opposition over concerns about preserving the local community. Organizers like Ameigh Denali are actively mobilizing against the project, while resident Sherril Johnson urged the board to enact a six-month moratorium on any data center decisions to allow for further community education and political consideration.
Separately, the city of Metter has also been approached about a distinct data center project within city limits, over which the county commissioners have no authority. Metter City Council has not yet publicly discussed these plans but is forming a resident-run task force to investigate the matter. Both proponents and opponents of data center development agreed on the need for more research before any final decisions are made, with Board Chairman Brad Jones assuring transparency throughout the process.