Bulloch County data center moratorium remains in place after commissioners deadlock on text amendment
Bulloch County's temporary moratorium on data center development remains in place after county commissioners deadlocked on a text amendment. The amendment, which would have defined terms related to data centers to clear the way for lifting the ban, was tabled until next month. Chairman David Bennett indicated his stance on data centers had shifted, becoming less fearful of them.
Bulloch County's temporary moratorium on data center development continues after county commissioners reached a deadlock on a crucial text amendment during their Tuesday meeting. The proposed amendment aimed to define terms associated with data centers, which was a necessary step towards potentially lifting the existing development ban.
Following public comments and extensive discussion among county leaders, a motion to table the amendment was put forward and subsequently approved by a 3-2 vote. This decision means the temporary moratorium, which was last extended in May, will remain active. Commissioners are expected to revisit the vote next month, allowing more time for research and deliberation on the advantages and disadvantages of data center development.
Chairman David Bennett, who had previously expressed a lean towards a permanent ban, indicated a change in his perspective. He stated that he no longer views data centers as negatively as he once did. The outcome of the county's future decision will not impact the city of Statesboro's plans for a proposed data center on Burkhalter Road, as it falls under a separate jurisdiction.