Lamar council seeks changes to proposed data-center pause
Members want clearer rules for developer contacts, possible extensions and the standards the city should develop before considering data-center projects.
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Lamar City Council members asked for revisions to a draft ordinance proposing an 18-month pause on data-center development, including clearer rules for developer contacts and whether the city could extend the pause. The council took no vote at its Oct. 26 meeting, where members discussed the proposal.
The mayor said a revised draft would return for a first reading at the next meeting. Council members directed that it be shorter and clearer about the pause’s term, what qualifies as a data center and which activities would be restricted, according to the Oct. 26 council meeting recording.
Members said conversations with prospective developers should be limited and transparent, with information shared with the council and public. They raised concern that separate or private contacts could leave residents and the citizens committee without a clear account of what was discussed.
They also sought language clarifying whether the council could extend the pause if development standards were not ready. Members said the standards should account for different types and sizes of data centers, including smaller facilities and hyperscale operations, and address water and electricity use. They also called for public input and relevant expertise as the city develops the standards.