Freestone County citizens spoke to County Commissioners at the January 7, 2026, meeting about their concerns of how the new AI Data Centers and Solar Farms might affect the County should the proposed projects come to fruition.
Specific topics were about noise contamination, light pollution, water usage, water drainage and flooding, land values, and the use of incentives to convince the County to accept the project.
One citizen from the Cotton Gin area where a solar farm is to be constructed, presented a petition to Commissioners to keep the construction from moving forward.
As for the AI Data Center near the Calpine Plant, land clearing has already begun. Reportedly, there will be no more than 1,150 gallons of water used per day, equivalent to approximately four family homes.
Typically, there will be only 45-55 decibels of sound produced by the data center, which is no louder than people speaking at normal volume.
There will be a sound barrier erected around the perimeter to buffer and reduce the sound, and outdoor lighting will be pointed downward toward the ground which will reduce light pollution.
To hear the full discussion on these matters, see the link below to view the video on the County’s YouTube channel.
Also, during this meeting, Commissioners approved the following:
–Minutes from the December 17, 2025, regular meeting and the December 30, 2025, special meeting
–Budget transfers and amendments
–Bill Pay
–Reports from Extension Agent, Constable Pct. 2, Teague VFD, and Quarterly Sick Leave
–Application for Replat
–Bonds and education certificates of county officials and employees
–Reappointment of Leonard Smith as County Emergency Management Coordinator
–Disposal of obsolete AED batteries
–The continuation of the contract with Justice AV Solutions for March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027, with a cost of $116.00 more than last year for the County Courtroom’s audio recording system’s maintenance and support.
–Abolishment of local ordinance to collect additional alcohol license and permit fees authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 11.38 and 61.36 due to Texas 89(R) SB 1008. According to Tax Collector Daniel Ralston and County Attorney Brian Evans, the minuscule amount of funds received from this fee is not worth the confusion and hassle, especially when most businesses are typically already exempt and/or are already paying the State fees.
–Scrapping of Butler VFD Fire Truck that has been sitting unused for about 8-10 years.
Freestone County Commissioners include Andy Bonner (Pct. 1), Will McSwane (Pct. 2), Richard McGowan (Pct. 3), Clyde Ridge, Jr. (Pct. 4), and Lloyd Lane (County Judge).
Their regularly scheduled meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month in the 2nd-floor courtroom.
Meeting dates and agendas can be found online at www.co.freestone.tx.us/page/freestone.PublicNotices.
You can view their meetings on YouTube at www.youtube.com/channel/UCbIetX9uPjTFiTnXLrHpzfA.
