Court hears moratorium feedback in regular session
The Hill County Commissioners Court held a regular session, receiving public comment on a previously approved data center moratorium and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Residents raised concerns about transparency, public safety, and potential fire risks associated with BESS facilities, urging the court to reject moratorium waiver requests. The court also discussed other county business and postponed a planned executive session on litigation.
The Hill County Commissioners Court convened a regular session on May 26, where public comments focused heavily on large-scale industrial development, including an existing data center moratorium and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Residents voiced concerns regarding transparency and public safety, particularly in relation to BESS facilities. A Blum resident highlighted the presence of 11 BESS sites in Hill County and warned of "thermal runaway" fire risks from lithium batteries, urging the county to address these issues with the Public Utility Commission and incorporate fire codes for unincorporated areas.
Several speakers thanked commissioners for previously approving the data center moratorium but criticized the county's handling of infrastructure related to past industrial projects, such as the Hubbard Wind II project. They also urged the court to reject any moratorium waiver requests and improve oversight for industrial developments.
The court observed the county auditor's budget reports, authorized a $350,000 grant for Emergency Services District 2, selected members for the Sexual Assault Response Team, and approved a waste collection contract with Frontier Waste Solutions. A planned executive session on litigation was postponed due to public concerns about agenda transparency.