LaFollette City Council to Discuss Proposed Data Center Moratorium
The LaFollette City Council is scheduled to discuss and potentially approve Ordinance 2026-07, which proposes a temporary one-year moratorium on new data center applications. This action is part of a broader agenda for their upcoming meeting. The council also discussed audit findings, various bids for city projects, and the controversial topic of Flock cameras.
The LaFollette City Council held a workshop to review items for its upcoming meeting, with a significant point of discussion being Ordinance 2026-07. This ordinance proposes a temporary one-year moratorium on accepting, processing, and approving applications for new data centers within the city.
The agenda also includes findings from a special audit of LaFollette Utilities by Pugh and Company, several bids for acceptance (including a THDA home grant, city right-of-way paving, and a guardrail project), and consideration for advertising new bids for the LaFollette Municipal Building parking lot. Additionally, two beer licenses, two fire department promotions, and two other resolutions are slated for approval.
Towards the end of the workshop, Mayor Scotty Kitts raised concerns about Flock cameras, stating he wanted them removed due to public criticism. Police Chief Matt Forsyth provided an overview, explaining their utility in investigations by capturing license plates. Discussions also covered alleged changes to the Flea Market operations behind the municipal building, as reported by City Administrator Stan Foust and Recreation Director Chris Smith.