Data Center Concerns Aired to Commissioners

The idea of data centers in the county drew considerable attention during last week’s commission meeting.

For second time in as many Harris County Commission meetings, Jacqueline Moyer spoke on concerns with data centers and requested the commissioners establish a moratorium on data centers in the county.

Moyer said that, “People do not trust officials” and claimed that in January 2026 data centers were discussed with “ways to allow data centers in the county.” She added that in March, a development company highlighted two places in the county that would be “good spots” for data centers – one in the southeast corner of the county and the other in the Fortson community. She alleges this information involved Greg Panzer, Harris County’s Economic Development Director.

Moyer reported that a noted builder in Georgia posted online a projected data center to be located off I-185 in the northern area of the county. She said that information was removed after people began seeing and reporting it.

In her comments, Moyer referenced a June 15 conversation with Commission Chair Susan Andrews in which she claims Andrews said there would be some type of ordinance of overlay to allow data centers and a ban “will never happen”.

According to Moyer, Andrew said the commissioners would go by policies and procedures, and have public notices, and that a moratorium could not happen until ordinances and laws were in place. Moyer claims that commissioners began the process of making changes to the comprehensive plan at the recommendation of Panzer, which would allow non-residential and non-agricultural uses “for diversity of the tax base”. She asked what these changes would be used for and how they would impact the county.

“People feel there is something going on in the background,” Moyer said, adding there is evidence of companies wanting to construct data centers in the county. She highlighted counties that do not have ordinances regarding data centers, but have established moratoriums.

Moyer called for the commission to approve a moratorium on construction of data centers in the county.

COMMISSIONER Greg Gantt said the Georgia General Assembly is seeking property tax relief for residents. He added the county commissioners have to address the financial “risk profile” of the county and said, “We’re really looking at reduced revenue going forward. My focus is on potential loss of revenue stream if we eliminate property taxes going forward.” He would say that during his recent re-election bid, the primary concern among residents in his district was property taxes. “You’re focused on data centers, we’re focused on revenue replacement,” Gantt said.

Andrews clarified her comment on a moratorium regarding data centers saying, “We didn’t feel it was necessary to put a moratorium when we don’t have anything to moratorium right now.”

In a previous commission meeting, then-county manager Clark Harrell reported having not been approached by any companies desiring to construct a data center in the county.

Andrews also said, “The posture of this board right now is that we are in an education mode. Every one of us have been to classes that talk about data centers.” She shared discussing with other county commissioners across the state regarding the issue of data centers, including those with data centers and those with moratoriums regarding them.

Regarding amendments to the comprehensive plan, Andrews said any such action would be preceded by public hearings, and that such amendments might not ever be proposed.

Commissioner Bobby Irions also offered comments criticizing the misinformation appearing on social media and offered insights on newer generation data centers.

“We’re not going to throw something at this county that is going to affect our kids too,” Irions said. “All of our intentions are to make this county better.”