Transparency questioned as data center opposition mounts
Residents in Lowndes County are opposing a proposed data center and questioning the Lowndes County Economic Development Commission's transparency. Concerns arose after discovering the LCEDC lacks a conflict-of-interest policy, leading to accusations that officials could profit personally from development proposals. Opponents are calling for specific commission members to recuse themselves from votes related to the data center.
Lowndes County residents are intensifying their opposition to a proposed data center project, raising concerns about the transparency of the Lowndes County Economic Development Commission (LCEDC).
The controversy escalated after resident Jeff Berry discovered that the LCEDC lacks a formal conflict-of-interest policy. This absence, according to Berry, creates a situation where LCEDC officers and directors could potentially use advanced knowledge of economic development proposals, including the data center, for personal profit before such information becomes public.
Berry highlighted that LCEDC Chairman Charlie King Jr. also serves as the Lowndes County Commission chairman, prompting accusations of potential conflicts inconsistent with his public oath. Opponents are specifically urging LCEDC President Thomas Ellis, who sits on the Pintlala Water Authority Board, and Vice-President Charlie King Jr. to recuse themselves from any votes impacting the data center development.
LCEDC attorney Robert Gilpin confirmed the lack of a conflict-of-interest policy via an IRS Form 990 and stated he would not engage in further record requests from Berry, asserting that the commission had complied with his initial inquiry.