Childersburg – Following a public hearing on the matter, the Childersburg City Council approved two items that could lead to discovery and discussion steps in a proposal for a data center in the Childersburg Industrial Park.
“There is no firm plan in place,” said Mayor Ken Wesson, “We have had seven months of talks, but for both sides to take a closer look at the possibilities, we have several items on the agenda that are needed for that discussion.”
A few speakers in opposition to the idea pointed to news stories about past data center development issues – large scale water usage, noise, few local employees, etc. – to establish their position that the project is not worth the risk.
Josh Harrelson, representing a development group, addressed those issues, “Older versions of data centers have created water, noise, and other issues, but technology has addressed those issues and more. Newer, more advanced centers are proving to be really good, very beneficial models when developed the right way in the right places. That is precisely what we want to look into in more detail, exploring to see if this site is the right fit for us, if it’s the right fit for Childersburg.”
Mayor Wesson pointed out that the City has received support for exploring the possibility from the State of Alabama, the US Army Corp of Engineers, and others. Prior to more detailed site inspection, the proposal stands to employ between 1,500 to 1,800 during the construction phase. There would be 200 permanent on-site jobs with wage rates above $100,000 per year. He also noted that CACC is excited about the possibility for helping train locals for the employment needs for the center if it comes to pass.
Ordinance #1156 gained unanimous approval. After gaining approval from the Childersburg Planning Commission, it proposed to the City Council an amendment to the PUD (Planned Unit Development) developed according to the Coosa Industrial Park Master Plan to include under Permitted Uses – Section 18.2: “Data Centers are permitted as principal use within PUD zoning district, recognizing Data Centers as critical infrastructure facilities essential to national and regional economic interests, while ensuring appropriate buffering, set backs, and performance standards to protect adjacent properties and the public welfare.”
In a related matter, Resolution 2026-02 was approved authorizing Mayor Ken Wesson, in his capacity as LRA Chairman to execute a right of entry agreement for potential industrial park tenant to conduct predevelopment site work activities.
In other new business, The Council approved the purchase by the Street Department of a Kubota 54 Zero Turn mower from Beshears Tractor & Equipment in the amount of $14,299, paid from LRA-23 fund.
Approval was given for Reliable Sign Service to install a new illuminated signage at the new Police/Judicial Complex on US Highway 280. The cost will be $27,088.60, paid from Fund25.
The Council approved training expenses, per the City’s AMIC insurance policy, to attend the 2026 SkidCar Training in Montgomery at a cost of $40 per participant, plus use of a City vehicle for travel purposes.
Approval was given for Rachel Carlson and Aimee Burnette to attend the 2026AOC 1-day training in Birmingham to obtain CLEs required training at a cost of $250 for each registration, plus mileage.
Payment of invoices were approved in the amount of $660,724.59, including scheduled bond and insurance payments.
The next regular meeting will be held on February 3rd at 6:00 p.m.
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