Decatur Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
Data Center Development Sparks Debate, Residents Urge Caution and Moratoriums
During the public comment period, several residents expressed concerns regarding proposed data centers and energy projects, advocating for moratoriums or thorough studies. Verlin Rosenberger urged the council to rescind the ADM lease agreement and study data centers thoroughly, citing environmental justice concerns and negative impacts on communities with similar facilities. Stephanie Brown requested a 12-month moratorium on data center approvals, referencing a guide from Prairie Rivers Network and the Macon County Zoning Board's recommendation. Doris McKay highlighted Decatur's environmental justice status and questioned the city's consideration of water and air quality in development plans, also referencing the need for expansion plans for the Southwater Treatment Plant. Jerry Stocks, representing a county committee studying data centers, cautioned against moratoriums, stating they can cause reputational damage and drive away developers, while emphasizing the need to differentiate myth from fact. Caleb Sexton, a Millikan student, argued that data centers offer minimal long-term jobs and significant environmental and economic costs, questioning their benefit to residents. Katie Hitch expressed strong opposition to the Broadwing Energy Center, citing severe risks to water security, potential environmental contamination, and financial asymmetry where the company benefits greatly while residents bear the risks. She urged the council to deny or pause permits until risks like water usage, pipeline safety, and financial terms are legally mandated and secured. Conversely, Brett Robertson advocated for embracing data centers as an opportunity for economic growth, citing millions in investment and high-paid jobs, and suggested that opposition may be influenced by foreign interests seeking to slow AI development. Councilman Horn expressed support for pausing data center proposals until guidelines are implemented, particularly regarding water usage, and noted the city's lack of available water for large data centers. Councilman McDaniel urged an open mind to expert information and data center advancements, acknowledging the need for jobs but emphasizing the changing nature of employment with AI. Councilman Cooper proposed a three-month moratorium on data center proposal evaluation, to align with the county's study findings, suggesting an agenda item for the next meeting.
City Approves Plans for Water Treatment Plant Expansion and Alternative Water Supplies Update
The City Council approved an agreement with Burns and McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc. for professional engineering services to develop a Southwater Treatment Plant Extension Plan. This plan is essential for assessing the city's water infrastructure capacity in anticipation of future growth and potential development projects. The current maximum daily production of the plant is 24 million gallons, with projected demands from Broadwing Energy Center and Fuyao potentially increasing total need to over 35 million gallons daily. While the current plant capacity is 36 million gallons daily, the study will ensure the system can meet future demands and economic development goals. The council also approved an agreement with Interra Incorporated to update the city's alternative water supplies plan, ensuring a comprehensive approach to water resource management, especially in light of potential droughts.
May Financial Report Shows Strong Cash Position and General Fund Surplus
The City Treasurer's financial report for May 2026 indicated a total cash position of $111.6 million, an increase from the previous month's $110.2 million. The general fund ended the period with $22.9 million, exceeding the 75-day cash reserve policy of $20.4 million and showing an increase from April's $21.2 million. The general fund is currently in a surplus, attributed to staffing vacancies and slower initial spending, but this is expected to normalize as positions are filled and projects proceed. Revenue streams like sales tax, state income tax, and utility tax are performing favorably, while food and beverage, video gaming, and hotel motel taxes are being monitored. The certified tax levy shows an equalized assessed value (EAV) increase of 7.63% over the previous year, exceeding projections. The city property tax rate is set at $1.38467 per $100 of EAV, lower than initially estimated due to the higher EAV.
Comprehensive Plan Update and Unified Development Ordinance Progressing
The City Council discussed the status of the comprehensive plan update and the development of a unified development ordinance (UDO). Ms. Elsie explained that the comprehensive plan update, a goal outlined in the city's revitalization plan, is progressing well with McKenna Associates. The plan will establish a shared vision for the community's future, guiding growth, redevelopment, infrastructure, housing, economic development, and land use. The UDO aims to update the zoning ordinance for improved clarity, consistency, and streamlined development reviews. Concerns were raised by Councilman Horn regarding the two-year timeline for the UDO and potential delays for development projects, including housing and data centers, while Councilwoman Cruz inquired about the integration of environmental justice data and remediation plans. Staff confirmed that existing development proposals would not be delayed and that community input would be actively sought throughout both processes.
City Council Considers Unified Development Ordinance to Streamline Zoning and Planning
The City Council is considering an agreement with McKenna Associates for the preparation of a unified development ordinance (UDO). This ordinance aims to update the city's zoning code, improve clarity and consistency, streamline development review processes, reduce regulatory conflicts, and provide greater predictability for residents, businesses, and developers. The project is budgeted at $133,540 and will be funded from the general fund. McKenna Associates will work with city staff to develop the UDO, with extensive community input planned through workshops and public forums. The process is expected to take approximately two years, with final adoption anticipated by December 2027. This initiative is part of a broader revitalization plan for the city.
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