On the agenda: Heard County July 21 (Minutes) — data center (Jul 21)

HEARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
July 21, 2026 - 6:00 P.M.

The Heard County Board of Commissioners held a regular Commissioners Meeting on

July 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chamber of the Heard County Administration

Building. In attendance at the meeting were Chairman Tracy McCormick, District 1

Commissioner Curtis Mock, District 2 Commissioner James Perry, District 3 Commissioner Iris

Harris, District 4 Commissioner Larry Hammond, and District 5 Commissioner David Walls.

County Attorney Michael Hill participated via telephone.

Agenda Item # 2 - Welcome, Invocation, and Pledge to the American Flag

Chairman Tracy McCormick called the meeting to order, welcomed everyone present, and noted

the strong turnout. Pastor Shane Dawson of Macedonia Baptist Church gave the invocation.

Agenda Item #3 — Public Hearings

a. Special Use Permit & Variance for Cell Tower Property Owner Virginia Gripado HWY
100 and Mahaley Road

On a motion (Harris) and second (Hammond), the Board voted unanimously to open the public

hearing.

Erin Parmer, Building and Zoning Director, presented the application. She stated that the request

was for a Verizon Wireless cell tower on approximately 17 acres owned by Virginia Gripado. The

Planning Commission voted to approve the application on July 6, 2026. Mrs. Parmer read a letter

submitted by the landowner describing the need for improved cell service in the area and noting

that the tower would be located away from nearby homes.

The Chairman read an email submitted by constituent Robin Arrington of Frolona Road,

expressing strong support for the tower due to longstanding lack of Verizon service and inability

to receive emergency alerts during power outages. Commissioner Harris read a text message from

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Philip Spradlin of Red Land Road, in support of the cell tower stating that cell service in the area
is extremely poor.
Greg Spence of Freebird Communications addressed the Board on behalf of Verizon. He
explained that Verizon now contracts tower development to companies such as Freebird. The
proposed tower would accommodate up to four tenants, and Freebird would allow county EMS or
other county equipment to be placed on the tower at no charge, with structural analysis required
only if equipment changes.
Mr. Spence provided a detailed presentation describing tower height, FAA approval, expected
improvements to indoor and outdoor coverage, and the lack of viable co-location opportunities.
He addressed fencing, landscaping, FCC compliance, and capacity relief for nearby towers. He
stated that the project represents a significant investment in Heard County’s communication
infrastructure.
Commissioners asked about coverage distance, tower ownership, abandoned towers, construction
timelines, parcel setbacks, property rights, battery systems, fire suppression, and generator
specifications. Mr. Spence provided detailed responses, noting that:

« Coverage varies due to topography.

« Verizon leases spacé on most towers and no abandoned Verizon towers are known in

Heard County.

« The proposed tower is part of the 2027 build plan.

e The closest property line is 303 feet from the tower center.

e The tower lease does not restrict the remainder of the property.

« The tower uses NiCad batteries and a two-hour fire-rated cabinet.

e A dedicated transformer and utility service will be installed.

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¢ Generator noise is minimal and generators run only during weekly cycling or outages.
Patsy Pike spoke in favor of the tower. She lives near an existing tower and stated she has
experienced electrical surges due to shared transformers and requested that the proposed tower
have its own dedicated transformer. Mr. Spence confirmed it would. Ms. Pike also requested a
gate at the road entrance due to nighttime trespassing; Mr. Spence confirmed the site would have
a gate and required FCC signage.
Tina Bennett addressed the Board, stating she opposed the tower due to concerns about property
devaluation, location selection, and service gaps in other areas such as Frolona, Ridgeway Road,
and Roosterville Road. She stated that her family has lived on the adjacent property for
generations and that the landowner does not reside in the area. She expressed concerns about
radiation and battery safety.
Trish Meek was neither for nor against the application. Ms. Meeks asked how many additional
towers Verizon anticipates constructing. Mr. Spence stated he could not provide a specific
number but estimated three or four additional towers may be needed countywide.
County Attorney Michael Hill addressed the Board regarding federal limitations under the
Telecommunications Act of 1996. He stated:

e The county may not unreasonably discriminate among providers.

« The county may not regulate based on environmental effects, radio frequency emissions,

aesthetics, or generalized health concerns.
e Any denial must be issued in writing and supported by substantial evidence.
e Reasonable conditions such as construction deadlines or decommissioning bonds may be

imposed.

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Commissioners discussed maintenance reporting requirements. Mr. Spence stated that annual TIA
reports could be provided if required.
Citizens Raymond Kline, Shane Dawson, and Maggie McMann spoke regarding service
reliability, data center concerns, and broader infrastructure issues. Comments included:

e Concerns about alternative ways to improve signal strength.

© Questions about whether the tower location supports future commercial development.

e Clarification from Mr. Spence that the tower is intended to improve Highway 100 corridor

coverage and relieve capacity strain on nearby towers.

¢ Questions regarding generator size, noise, and battery backup.
On a motion (Perry) and second (Walls), the Board voted unanimously to close the public
hearing.
Agenda Item # 4 — Approval of Minutes
The minutes from the June 16, 2026, Work Session were presented to the Board for approval. On
a motion (Mock) and second (Hammond), the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes
from the June 16, 2026, Work Session as written.
The minutes from the June 16, 2026, regular Commissioner’s meeting were presented to the
Board for approval. On a motion (Walls) and second (Harris), the Board voted unanimously to
approve the minutes from the June 16, 2026, regular Commissioner’s meeting as written.
The minutes from the June 30, 2026, Called Meeting were presented to the Board for approval.
On a motion (Harris) and second (Hammond), the Board voted unanimously to approve the
minutes from the June 30, 2026, Called Meeting as written.
Agenda Item #5 — Amend Agenda

None.

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Agenda Item # 6 — New Business

a. Discuss/Approve Special Use Permit & Variance for Cell Tower Property Owner
Virginia Gripado HWY 100 and Mahaley Road

On a motion (Harris) and second (Hammond), the Board voted unanimously to table the vote to

the next regular meeting on August 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Agenda Item # 8 — Old Business

a. Discuss Sale of Properties
The Chairman explained that the Alder Road parcel was originally acquired to downgrade the
dam classification from Class 1 to Class 2. Selling the property would require a dam breach
estimated at $15,000 and would reclassify the dam as dangerous. The county owns the dam
through a 40-foot right-of-way extending vertically and downward. On a motion (Hammond)
and second (Perry), the Board voted unanimously to retain the Alder Road property.

Agenda Item # 9 — Public Comments

Lynn Savage addressed the Board with recommendations regarding the proposed data center

ordinance, including extending the moratorium, prohibiting nondisclosure agreements, and

requiring data centers to locate within the county’s industrial zone to avoid eminent domain

impacts. He provided written materials.

Kenneth Skinner addressed the Board regarding tax incentives, long-term financial risks, and the

potential for data centers to relocate if incentives change. He encouraged thorough review.

Patsy Pike, a retired licensed nurse, told the Board she was worried about possible health effects

from noise or emissions associated with data centers. She said she had heard claims that such

noise could disrupt brainwaves, cause hearing loss, or affect nearby animals. She asked the Board

to look into these concerns further.

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Don Holmes, Alice Holmes, and Sandy Cox addressed the Board with concerns regarding alleged
actions by commissioners involving personnel matters, including communications regarding
County Clerk Katrina Billingsley. Comments emphasized forgiveness, ethical conduct, and
adherence to county policy and their oath of office.

The Chairman stated that removing authority from the elected chairman would require legislative
action and a vote of the citizens. He emphasized the need for commissioners to work together for
the public good.

Dwayne Cox addressed the Board regarding GCIC integrity, data center concerns, and public
safety.

A notice was provided that U.S. Congressman Brian Jack will visit Heard County on August 19 at
6:00 PM at the American Legion.

Jerry King addressed the Board with concerns about automated license plate readers, referring to
them as “spy cams.” He cited privacy concerns and misidentification incidents in other
jurisdictions.

John Roberts addressed the Board in support of flock cameras, stating they provide significant
public safety benefits and assist law enforcement and emergency responders.

Item # 10 — Executive Session

None.

Item #11 —- Adjourn

There being no further business, on a motion (Harris) and second (Walls), the Board voted
unanimously to adjourn the meeting.

Adjourned 7:53 p.m.

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