Bolivar city council discusses possible data center moratorium

BOLIVAR, Tenn. (WBBJ) - Bolivar City Council members discussed a possible moratorium related to data centers as they consider how such a facility could affect the community.

Mayor Julian McTizic said an inquiry was made about a potential data center at the city’s industrial complex, but it did not lead to a property sale.

“The council just decided not to take any action but also make sure we do some studies on what it will look like for a data center to be in our community,” McTizic said.

McTizic said multiple people have expressed interest in coming to the community, although he has not recruited data centers.

Some community members have raised questions about the potential financial and environmental effects of a data center. Bolivar sits along the Hatchie River, which Councilwoman Caroline Miller described as an important local resource.

“We are here on the Hatchie River. That’s one of our greatest resources,” Miller said. “We have water and, you know, we want to maintain that. We want to honor that.”

City leaders said they want to stay ahead of the issue, be transparent and keep the community informed as they consider potential interest in a data center before property is purchased.

Members of the public were given an opportunity to address the council during the meeting, but no one spoke.