Clovis commissioners decline proposed 120‑day moratorium on data‑center permits after hours of public comment

The Clovis City Commission rejected a proposed 120‑day moratorium on building permits for data centers following extensive public comment and debate. Mayor Mike Morris introduced the resolution as a brief pause to let staff draft ordinance amendments addressing siting, water use, cooling and electrical demand; the motion failed on a roll call after discussion by commissioners and residents.

"We just felt like it can be accomplished inside of 120 days," Mayor Mike Morris said in framing the draft resolution as a measured pause to prepare policy rather than a ban. Dozens of residents urged longer review or outright limits; Dr. Teresa Cullen, who moved to Clovis 20 months ago, told the commission she worried a short moratorium would be insufficient to assess water and electrical impacts and asked why 120 days was chosen. "That seems like a very short amount of time," she said.

Local attorney and rancher Sterling Bowers urged caution, focusing on the Southern Ogallala aquifer and the long-term stakes for agriculture and municipal supply. "Pause it, measure it, then decide," he said, arguing for site‑by‑site data on cooling, construction water and power and for written tariffs or clawbacks on incentives. Other speakers offered mixed views — some urging the city not to signal a hostile business environment, others wanting stronger protections before any large campus is approved.

Commissioners debated alternatives, with several saying a stakeholder committee or a set of criteria might provide a more productive path than an immediate moratorium. Commissioner Porter said he found no evidence that a 120‑day pause would repel large developers, while Commissioner Paula favored creating standards quickly and involving existing boards and committees. After motions, seconds and debate, the chair called the vote and the motion to adopt the moratorium failed.

The commission did not adopt an immediate moratorium; staff were directed to continue work on ordinance language and to involve planning and zoning and other local partners as the subject develops.