Commissioners Say No to Data Centers

Smith News

After deliberation from the County Commission and many vocal voices from the community, the Steering Committee B committed to denying AI data centers in the county. If the resolution passes Full Court later this month, it will permanently deter companies from bringing any data centers into White County.

Commissioner Derrick Hutchings presented the potential resolution that would ban data centers in the county, a topic that has been sweeping across the Upper Cumberland after McMinnville’s recent controversy with a data center. The resolution was a definite ban, rather than a moratorium like the City of Sparta’s last month. The city’s moratorium placed a temporary six-month suspension on data centers while the city gathers more information on whether they would consider the matter. White County residents, however, have been extremely vocal to the County Commission against the data centers entirely.

Commissioner Kyle Goff liked the way the potential resolution was written and how it addressed the matter. “Until we can get a sponsor from The General Assembly, something coming from the state, I think this is probably going to be our best move.”

Before the commissioners voted on the resolution, however, County Attorney Sam Benningfield said that the resolution, on the legal side, may have some issues. As it stands, he worries it may not stand up in a court. He said it may have a deterrent effect on a company that wants to come, which is the intent, but “At some point they’re going to challenge one of these counties that are doing that. And when they do, I’m pretty confident what the court’s going to rule. It doesn’t hurt anything to do it, I guess is what I’m getting at, but it may not give you what you want.”

The resolution was sent to Full Court with unanimous approval, and half the courtroom erupted into applause in support, which is rare in that courtroom.

Commissioner Goff mentioned again that once the General Assembly starts up, if they want to assure data centers stay out of the county, commissioners inform legislators for the state.

Business conducted among other committees will be in next week’s edition of The Expositor. All the meetings are open to the public and streamed on their YouTube page at White County TN Commission. The Full Court meeting will be July 20 on the third floor of the Courthouse.