Parker County commissioners reaffirm opposition to data centers at packed evening meeting; state lawmaker floats a special-purpose commission as a possible tool

Source: Weatherford Democrat (Sally Sexton) · Published July 1, 2026

At a special evening meeting Tuesday, June 30, Parker County commissioners told a frustrated crowd that county government has little authority to regulate data centers on private property in unincorporated areas, according to the Weatherford Democrat. A fact sheet distributed before the meeting emphasized those limits; commissioners noted the court had already adopted a resolution opposing open-loop data centers and stated the county will not offer tax abatements to such facilities. Concern followed a company's purchase of about 2,000 acres near Pearson Ranch Road, though officials said no data center has been confirmed. State Rep. Mike Olcott, the only Austin lawmaker present, said the county is weighing a '391 commission' agreement as a possible tool to slow development, while cautioning it is not a guarantee and that the Legislature does not reconvene until January. Precinct 4 Commissioner Dave Eagle suggested residents organize a coalition and pursue civil 'anticipatory nuisance' claims recognized in some other states. Commissioners and residents again raised water- and electricity-demand concerns, and officials urged residents to contact their state representatives. The paper reported Gov. Greg Abbott this week called for a ban on data-center developments in rural neighborhoods. The full meeting recording is available at parkercountytx.gov.

Filed under weatherford · 🏛️ Civic · Parker County