Executive Summary
Macon County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting August 11, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
Overview
The Board conducted its regular monthly meeting with a full agenda focused primarily on a public hearing regarding regulation of server-based facilities (data centers and cryptocurrency mining). Significant public opposition to these facilities dominated the early portion of the meeting. The Board took several formal actions, including adoption of ordinance amendments, approval of surplus property, consent items, and board appointments. A lengthy discussion on third-party mass surveillance systems (Flock cameras) occurred under New Business, with the Board reaffirming its prior opposition but taking no new formal action.
Key Actions Taken
1. Public Hearing – Amendment to Chapter 157 (High-Impact Land Uses)
- The Planning Board recommended updates to definitions and standards for “Cryptocurrency Mining, Data Centers and Server-based Facilities.”
- More than a dozen citizens spoke, nearly all opposing data centers/crypto mining. Speakers requested a temporary moratorium, stronger water-use restrictions (closed-loop cooling, no new withdrawals), noise and light standards (including low-frequency/dBC limits and dark-sky requirements), battery storage setbacks and fire-response plans, diesel-generator limits, decommissioning bonds, treatment of contiguous parcels as one facility, and conversion of the use to a special/conditional use permit.
- County Attorney Eric Ridenour advised that adopting the proposed amendments (rather than a moratorium) provided the strongest immediate legal protection and could be strengthened later.
- Action: The Board voted to adopt the Planning Board’s recommended amendments to Chapter 157 as presented. Commissioners expressed openness to considering a moratorium at a future meeting (possibly September) for additional layered protection.
2. Surplus Property
- Seven tax-foreclosed parcels in the Watauga Vista subdivision (small lots ranging in value from ~$1,500 to $14,600) were declared surplus.
- Action: Approved (unanimous). Staff directed to advertise for public bid.
3. Consent Agenda
- Approved as presented (minutes of July 11, 2026; Budget Amendments #20–29; Grant Project Ordinance for 2027 Urgent Repair Program; Community Advisory Board Annual Report; Fireworks Permit – Town of Franklin; Nantahala Community Development Club Lease Extension; EDC Updated Bylaws; Transit Updated Drug & Alcohol Policy; July 2026 tax releases totaling $1,061.95; and the monthly ad-valorem tax collection report).
4. Appointments – CHSA Board
- Action: Reappointed Matt Corbin (dentist position) and Garrett Higdon (engineer position) to the Consolidated Human Services Agency Board (unanimous).
5. Other Items
- Recognized Finance staff for receiving the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (FY 2025).
- Received presentation on the Proposed Schedule of Values; public hearing scheduled for a future meeting (expected October).
- Carson Convenience Center design presentation (Old Business) – informational.
- Juvenile Crime Prevention Council FY 2026–2027 Certification and Annual Plan – discussed; funding approval emphasized as time-sensitive.
- Outside Agency Funding Requests – deferred for further criteria discussion between staff and Board.
- Mass Surveillance / Flock Safety discussion (added under New Business): Commissioner raised concerns about third-party tracking systems. Board reaffirmed prior removal of Flock cameras and opposition to similar systems on county property/vehicles. No new formal ban was adopted; County Attorney noted limited authority beyond county-financed equipment. Sheriff’s Office noted potential utility of alternative camera systems for investigations.
Meeting Outcome
No closed session was held. The meeting adjourned after the appointments. The Board signaled continued work on data-center regulations (possible future moratorium) and clarified its stance against third-party mass surveillance systems.
Primary Theme: Strong community and Board consensus against large-scale data centers/crypto facilities in Macon County, balanced with careful legal strategy under state law (N.C.G.S. Chapter 160D).
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Published at 2.30am on Friday, August 14, 2026
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