Bulloch Commissioners Voice Opposition to Data Centers, Vote to Extend Moratorium

Bulloch County Commissioners recently voted to extend a moratorium on data center permitting in unincorporated areas of the county until December 31, 2026. During the same meeting, the commissioners also moved to direct staff to draft a zoning amendment that would outright prohibit data centers. This decision followed a public hearing where several residents and commissioners voiced strong opinions. Concerns raised by the public included potential financial hits to the county, infrastructure strain, the limited number of local jobs data centers provide, and significant water usage, especially in the context of ongoing water conservation efforts. Commissioner Toby Conner expressed a desire for an immediate "flat 'no'" to data centers rather than just a moratorium, arguing the county lacked the footprint for such facilities and was not being forced into development. Conversely, Commissioner Frank Davis highlighted Georgia's position as a top state for data centers and the potential for significant county revenue if structured correctly. He emphasized that data centers should bear the full cost of infrastructure and noted that their water usage might be less than other large industrial projects like the Hyundai plant. Chairman David Bennett clarified that the county had not had discussions with any developers and was acting proactively to establish zoning procedures to protect current residents. County Attorney Jeff Akins advised that prohibiting data centers would require a zoning ordinance amendment and that the moratorium extension would provide time for this study and drafting process, which typically takes about two months for an application to reach commissioner adoption. The motion to extend the moratorium passed 5-0, as did a subsequent motion to direct staff to prepare the amendment prohibiting data centers.