Cumberland County Approves $1.45M Generator Contract, Schedules Data Center Moratorium Hearing

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held sessions on April 16 and 20, where they approved a $1.45 million contract with B.E.C.P. LLC for generator installations at four local schools: Mac Williams Middle, W.T. Brown Elementary, Pine Forest High, and South View High. These schools are intended to serve as shelters during disasters and are not included in the Board of Education's consolidation list. A significant action taken by the Commissioners was to schedule a public hearing for May 18 to discuss a potential temporary moratorium on data center permits. The proposed ordinance aims to freeze zoning and building permits for data centers within county limits. Board members have requested staff to provide clear definitions regarding water and electricity consumption, research similar moratoriums implemented elsewhere, and gather input from Fayetteville officials on the matter. In other financial decisions, Commissioners voted 5-1 to adopt a preliminary resolution for installment financing capped at $5.5 million, with a public hearing for this item set for April 27. Additionally, two funding requests were approved: one to support the Vander water and sewer district's application for state funding to address water supply and treatment issues from new contaminants in private wells, and another to secure funding for a plant that would convert landfill gas into renewable natural gas. The next meeting for the Commissioners is scheduled for April 27.