Residents attend Hill County data center meetings

Residents of Hillsboro, Texas, turned out in significant numbers for a pair of public meetings on Friday, April 2024, to convey their concerns regarding proposed data center developments in Hill County. The meetings were held by the Hill County Commissioners Court and the Hillsboro Economic Development Corporation (EDC). During the Commissioners Court meeting, residents voiced opposition to tax breaks for future data centers. Local resident Linda Pauley highlighted potential health issues, stating, "There’s an increase of cancer, there’s an increase of heart conditions, there’s an increase of neurological problems. It’s detrimental to the wildlife." Commissioners indicated they would continue to work on tax incentives for current and future projects. Later, at City Hall, the Hillsboro EDC board provided another forum for public comment. Residents reiterated their strong disapproval, with one stating, "We don’t want this, we don't need it, nobody is happy about it." Jennifer Isaacks urged the EDC to prioritize local needs, arguing that such developments would "hurt our town worse" and fail to create jobs for Hillsboro residents. In a key decision, the EDC board approved a four-month extension to an existing contract with Provident, a company involved in a data center project. Provident is now tasked with presenting a strategy to the EDC within this period, which will then require city approval. The contract allows Provident to withdraw if certain agreements are not met.