Data centers: A hot-mic conversation leads to a discussion of what government transparency means
A citizen coalition in Miami County, Indiana, expressed frustration after a hot-mic conversation between county commissioners suggested a decision on a data center ordinance was made before a public meeting. The coalition claims this violates Indiana's Open Door Law, while commissioners argue the ordinance provides necessary protection for the county. Despite citizen concerns, the ordinance, which includes setbacks and noise limits, was unanimously approved.
In Miami County, Indiana, a citizen coalition fighting data center developments received an anonymous hot-mic recording of county commissioners Fred Musselman, Brenda Weaver, and Mark Horner discussing a data center ordinance. The recording, which occurred after a July 6 Drainage Board Meeting, suggests the commissioners had already decided on the ordinance before a scheduled July 20 meeting, leading the coalition to claim a violation of Indiana’s Open Door Law.
Makayla Tubb, Vice Chairman of the Miami-Cass Counties Coalition for Utility & Environmental Protection, posted the audio, indicating widespread frustration among the nearly 1,400 members. Coalition chairman Tori Pindell also mentioned a prior moratorium with no time limit, suggesting commissioners should have allowed public decision-making.
Commissioner Fred Musselman dismissed the recording as a private conversation, stating it was