Counties Address Data Centers, Taxes and Leadership

Colleton County Opens Door to Data Centers Near ACE Basin

Colleton County Council approved a new digital infrastructure overlay district that allows data centers and grid-connected battery storage in designated rural areas, including land near Smoaks Source Article. The framework requires large lot sizes, buffer zones, and closed-loop cooling systems to limit environmental impact. No specific data center has been approved yet. The new rules replace permitting guidelines from late 2025 and let County Council choose which rural locations get the overlay designation.

Opponents warned the decision threatens the ACE Basin, an environmentally sensitive coastal area Source Article. Supporters countered that data centers bring jobs and tax revenue to rural communities. Data centers can still be approved in industrial zoning districts without needing the new overlay.

Hamilton County Rushes to Fill School Board Vacancy After Deadline

Hamilton County commissioners must appoint a replacement for District 11 school board seat after Jill Black announced she was moving to Canada Source Article. The ballot deadline for placing the vacancy on an election has already passed, forcing an appointment instead. Commissioner Montrell Besley, who represents District 11, formally declared the vacancy on October 7.

A resident argued that Besley should make the appointment himself Source Article. School board member Thessela White urged commissioners to act quickly so the board can focus on students. Calls for a transparent process grew louder as residents questioned how the appointment would unfold.

Lubbock Cuts Property Taxes While Grappling With Hospital Costs

Lubbock County commissioners adopted a no-new-revenue property tax rate expected to raise about $113 million—roughly $108,000 more than last year Source Article. The rate will provide most county employees with 3% raises and cut the average homeowner's bill by about $27. Officials acknowledged the rate will not cover all information-technology needs.

The county also set the hospital district levy at nearly 10 cents per $100 of property value, projected to generate approximately $34 million Source Article. UMC CEO Mark Funderburk told commissioners that inmate medical care at the Lubbock County Detention Center costs the hospital about $11 million annually—roughly one-third of the hospital's total revenue. Administrators want the county to reconsider how that care is funded and delivered.

Spokane County Voters Choose Commissioner Amid Data Center Debate

Voters in southeastern Spokane County will elect a new county commissioner as the five-member board faces decisions on data-center development and other major issues Source Article. The race reflects growing debate over how the county should balance economic development with environmental concerns. The election will shape the commission's direction on infrastructure and land use for years to come.