Hill County officials sued $100M over data center moratorium
Hill County officials, including a judge and two commissioners, are facing a $100 million lawsuit from data center developer RCM Hill. The lawsuit follows the county's decision to reinstate a moratorium on data center development, despite RCM Hill's significant investments. Local residents express mixed feelings, with some supporting the moratorium to protect the community, while others seek greater transparency from county leaders.
Hill County officials, including Judge Shane Brassel and two county commissioners, are being sued for $100 million by data center developer RCM Hill. The lawsuit was filed after the county voted to reinstate a moratorium on data center development.
RCM Hill claims to have invested nearly a million dollars and over a year to acquire land rights and legal entitlements for a data center project before the moratorium was put in place. Locals in Hillsborough express mixed reactions, with one resident finding the lawsuit discouraging but believing some issues could have been prevented. Another resident emphasizes their long-term connection to the land and the need for their voices to be heard, noting they are just now learning about the development.
While some residents suggest the commissioners and judge had good intentions, they feel prior resident concerns about data centers were not adequately addressed, leading to the current situation. Judge Brassel had previously acknowledged the possibility of a lawsuit, stating the county has a right to protect its citizens. Residents are calling for transparency from county leaders, especially regarding the $100 million lawsuit's potential impact. The county commissioners are scheduled to meet Friday morning.