Jeff Davis County Commissioners Enact Data Center Moratorium
Jeff Davis County, Georgia, residents expressed strong opposition to a proposed data center at a County Board of Commissioners meeting, citing concerns over electricity and water consumption. The commissioners subsequently voted to adopt a moratorium on data center development, allowing the county time to research the implications of such facilities. This action was taken proactively due to citizen concerns.
The Jeff Davis County Board of Commissioners held its June meeting with a large public turnout, primarily to discuss a proposed moratorium on data centers. Citizens voiced strong opposition to allowing data centers in Jeff Davis County, citing concerns about high electricity and water consumption, which could lead to increased energy costs for local residents and businesses. Former County Commissioner Myron Sellers highlighted the lack of a comprehensive land use plan or zoning outside the City of Hazlehurst, emphasizing the need to study the potential impact of data centers.
County Administrator Jayme Crosby and County Attorney Tony Rowell, who advised on the moratorium, described it as a proactive measure. Following public comments, the commissioners voted to adopt the proposed moratorium, joining other Georgia counties in pausing data center development to allow time for research into the issue. While one individual, Kendrick Pace, expressed some positive views regarding potential job creation, the majority of public input was against data center development.