Judge denies key procedural motions in Simpson County data center lawsuit

Circuit Judge Mark A. Thurmond in Simpson County, Kentucky, denied two crucial procedural motions in an ongoing lawsuit concerning a proposed data center. The lawsuit was filed by TenKey LandCo I, LLC against the Simpson County Fiscal Court, challenging the county's authority to regulate a data center project within Franklin city limits, where a separate municipal planning and zoning authority exists. TenKey LandCo I, LLC had sought to disqualify the county's legal counsel, a motion which was denied by Judge Thurmond who found no conflict of interest. The county's motion to stay the case was also denied, with the judge deeming it moot as changes to the county's ordinance were already in progress. Both TenKey attorney Kathryn Eckert and Simpson County Judge-Executive Mason Barnes expressed readiness to proceed with the case. Eckert welcomed the clarity from the court's ruling, while Barnes agreed with the denial of the stay and was pleased the county's legal counsel could remain. Another status hearing is scheduled for May 18 to receive updates from both sides on how they plan to move forward before addressing the central legal question.