Residents warn of strain on volunteer fire department and urge protections, host fund in data‑center debate

During the public‑comment portion of the joint work session, residents and other commenters weighed potential benefits and costs of data‑center development. Commenters said data centers could bring long‑term benefits but cautioned that impacts on the small town’s volunteer fire department could vary depending on facility size and operations.

Residents urged the council to preserve Center Point’s small‑town character and proposed creating an annual host fund to mitigate impacts on local services. Commenters also suggested considering an area south of Interstate 380 for potential development and ensuring that project agreements could be transferred if ownership changes. The session recorded these comments for staff consideration; no formal policy or commitments were made during the meeting.