Parker County commissioners adopt resolution opposing open-loop data centers after packed, hours-long hearing

Source: Weatherford Democrat (Sally Sexton) · Published 2026-06-11

Parker County commissioners adopted a resolution opposing open-loop data centers and stated the county will not offer tax abatements to data centers, capping a roughly 180-minute special meeting Tuesday, June 9, that drew a standing-room-only crowd to the downtown Weatherford courthouse. The single-item agenda was set aside for public input; resident after resident voiced opposition over water, land and pollution concerns, with one landowner urging the court to call it 'overwhelming rage by the citizens of Parker County.' The meeting followed news that an energy company had purchased a large tract off Pearson Ranch Road with potential data-center plans. County Attorney John Forrest outlined the county's limited authority and pointed to litigation in nearby counties — Hill County faces a $100 million lawsuit after passing (then trying to rescind) a moratorium, and Hood County denied a related plat. Forrest said Parker County has adopted a checklist of existing authorities — fire and safety review, floodplain permitting, sewage-facility oversight and health and safety — that it will enforce. Representatives from the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District and the Texas Public Utility Commission addressed water and electricity demand, and officials said they would look into hosting a future evening meeting so daytime workers could attend. Source: Weatherford Democrat (Sally Sexton) · Published 2026-06-11

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