Residents press council for data-center water transparency as officials defend diesel bus purchase

At the Feb. 9 DeKalb City Council meeting, resident Amy Dahl used public comment to press the council for stronger local safeguards on a proposed data center’s utility and water use.

"Data centers are also known to be massive water users with no transparency for the communities who depend on that water," Dahl said, asking the council to require reporting on water use and to put protections in place ahead of proposed state legislation. She also questioned why the council was considering diesel transit buses rather than hybrid or electric vehicles in light of the city’s 2024 sustainability plan.

City Manager and the transit manager responded during the buses discussion, saying the choice was driven by cost. "So, what you have here are 2 buses for roughly $686,000 apiece," the City Manager said, adding that hybrid buses were closer to $900,000 and full-electric options about $1.5 million each when available. Transit Manager Mike Hunter said initial plans had contemplated more hybrids but recent price escalations forced the city to reduce hybrids to one of six buses ordered.

Council members acknowledged the environmental concerns raised by Dahl and others but emphasized budget constraints and the need for reliable public transportation. No new local reporting condition for the developer was adopted at the meeting; Dahl asked that the council and staff consider adopting safeguards ahead of state action.