Killeen council puts forward staff direction that could regulate data centers
The Killeen City Council approved a directive for city staff to draft an ordinance that would require conditional-use permits for all future data centers. This move aims to establish local regulations for data centers concerning electricity, water usage, noise, and setbacks, ahead of potential state legislation. The decision was approved by a 6-1 vote, with one councilman preferring to wait for state action.
The Killeen City Council has voted 6-1 to direct staff to draft an ordinance that would require future data centers to obtain conditional-use permits. This measure, brought forward by Councilwoman Mellisa Brown and supported by Councilman David Bass, aims to establish local regulations before the upcoming Texas Legislative session addresses the issue. Proposed regulations include requirements for electric service approval, city engineer review of water and sewer usage, and standardized setbacks, with additional considerations for decibel and frequency restrictions and masonry screening.
Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Gonzalez emphasized the importance of monitoring water demand and conservation, while Councilwoman Debbie Nash-King expressed concern about potential conflicts with future state regulations. City Attorney Holli Clements noted the difficulty of predicting state actions but suggested a conditional-use permit approach offers flexibility.
Mayor Joseph Solomon acknowledged existing data centers in nearby Temple but doubted Killeen had space for major projects without annexation. Interim City Manager Kent Cagle identified the Aycock property as a potential 50-acre site. Councilman Charles Kimble, the sole dissenter, advocated for delaying local action until the state legislature in Austin makes its decisions, citing daily updates from lobbyists and a desire to learn from other municipalities' experiences. However, Councilwoman Brown and Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez argued for a proactive approach to protect citizens and address concerns early on.
Concerns were also raised regarding water usage, noise, and the impact of data centers on electricity rates, even if located outside the city, highlighting the broader grid implications. Interim City Manager Cagle advised against regulating electricity usage due to a lack of city staff expertise, suggesting state oversight for that aspect, while emphasizing that the city could still regulate water, noise, and setbacks.