On the agenda: Lawrenceburg Agenda Meeting - 7/7/26 — data center (Jul 7)

Lawrence County

AGENDA MEETING
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 I Time: 5:00-5:28 p.m.
PRESENT: County Executive David Morgan. Commissioners: Phillip Heatherly,
Shane Eaton, Denny Gillespie, Will Burnett, Steve Hagan, and Tammy Wisdom.
County Attorney Ryan Durham, EMS Director Michelle Ayers, Anthony Washburn,
John Uzbasic, Elle McCann, Cherie Marceaux, Tiffany Charbonnet, Ricky Cromwell,
and other county residents.
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Commissioner Eaton called the meeting to order.
Durham went through the draft agenda. He noted that Honorarium
20260728-01H may need to be moved to the September Regular Session as
several players being recognized will be out of town for the July meeting.
Commissioner Eaton recommended doing an honorarium for Angie Jacobs,
for her many years of service to the county.
Durham discussed the resolution establishing a twelve-month moratorium
on data center development. He clarified that while the Commission has the
authority to adopt the resolution expressing its intent to pause data center
development while it studies the issue, it may not have the legal authority to
enforce the moratorium if it is challenged by a developer in court.
Executive Morgan asked whether a study committee on data centers could
be established administratively or if it would require approval by the
Commission.
Durham stated that a study committee could be beneficial and said he would
look into whether Commission approval is required to establish it.
Executive Morgan recommended establishing a one-year relief fund for
cattlemen, stating that dead stock removal services are important to the
county and that an additional $75,000 could make a significant difference for
local farmers. He stated that the proposal would be brought before the
Budget Committee for consideration prior to the July 28 Regular Session.
Executive Morgan and County Attorney Ryan Durham discussed whether the
allocation of a portion of the Opioid Abatement Settlement Funds should be
brought before the Budget Committee.

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Durham recommended that the item be sent through the committee
process, and Executive Morgan noted that the committee would be meeting
regardless, allowing the item to be considered and voted on at that time.
Commissioner Eaton stated that the Facilities Committee approved entering
into a contract with TACN (Tennessee Advanced Communications Network)
for the construction of a radio tower at the Jason Dickey Fire Training Center.
He noted that the paperwork would be obtained from EMA Director Shelton
Barnett and would require County Executive Morgan’s signature.
Commissioner Hagan stated that Michael Drive is close to reaching the
required funding amount for adoption. He noted that if the necessary funds
are secured, the item will be added to the agenda and brought before the
Highway Committee.

Public Comments:
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Several members of the public addressed the committee regarding concerns
about data center development and expressed their support for a
moratorium prohibiting such development.

The meeting concluded.
Minutes Submitted By: Christian Tyree