Burgin council advances controversial data center annexation
The Burgin City Council advanced a controversial land annexation ordinance that is tied to a proposed data center project, despite strong public opposition. Hundreds of residents attended the meeting, raising concerns about the project's impact on farmland, the environment, and utility costs. The council approved the first reading of the ordinance by a 3-1 vote.
The Burgin City Council held a heated meeting where hundreds of residents gathered to oppose a proposed land annexation linked to a potential data center project. This was the city's second attempt to initiate the annexation process, with a previous meeting canceled due to non-compliance with Kentucky's Open Meetings Requirements.
The annexation aims to incorporate county land into city limits, allowing the city to regulate the data center project through a developer's agreement rather than the county's planning and zoning process. Residents voiced concerns about the project's impact on farmland, the environment, and potential increases in utility costs, feeling their voices were not adequately heard by the council. Some also questioned whether property tax revenue from a data center could influence council members who work for the local school district.
Despite the strong opposition, Councilman Scott McCoy introduced the annexation request, and the council approved the first reading of the annexation ordinance by a 3-1 vote. Councilman Travis Irvine recused himself from the vote. The city council is scheduled to hold a second reading and final vote on July 23rd.