Many concerned Freestone County residents attended the June 3, 2026, Commissioners Court meeting to voice their concerns over the AI Data Center project currently underway at Calpine – Freestone, located on FM 488 near the Richland Chamber’s dam.

The crowd was so large, the meeting was forced to be moved from the Commissioners’ Courtroom to the upstairs District Courtroom to accommodate everyone in attendance.

Upwards of 15 of those in the crowd spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting before the agenda began.

Being that the topic of the AI Data Center was not an agenda item, citizens could only speak on the matter during the public comment portion and Commissioners were unable to respond or discuss the matter.

Fairfield resident, Toni Abram, stated that she loves the community she was raised in and she is very concerned about the data center. “I am still researching and learning and trying to understand everything. I’m very concerned about the potential long-term impacts this project could have. I am requesting a 1 to 2 year pause for thorough research by commissioners to ensure the best decision is made for the residents of Freestone County.”

Another, newer county resident, Courtney Jackson, quoted the Bible regarding not destroying the land and God’s creation. She is against AI Data Centers and gave a list of health concerns potentially caused by noise, water, and air pollutants.

Another county resident asked commissioners to consider the source when getting research information from CyrusOne, saying, “who does that information benefit most.” They were also worried about water and electric bill costs substantially rising.

A long-time Teague Resident explained that 44 of the 50 states are trying to stop AI Data Centers, saying, “peoples’ lives are being destroyed, animals are being killed. The crowds will continue to grow, and we will stand strong against these AI Data Centers.”

One citizen stated that she wasn’t worried at first, but now she is, stating, “What I’m hearing from other places that already have AI Data Centers in operation is absolutely terrifying. I ask y’all to look very closely and do your research.”

Another resident says, “These centers, they use water we won’t get back. Once the water is gone, it’s gone. We can’t afford to lose our water forever.”

Others said that it’s not about the money, it’s about the entire community, and that they hope that commissioners vote according to what the majority of citizens want.

Still more concerns are centered around infrasound that can’t be heard with the ears but is felt internally and has adverse effects on humans and wildlife, and that the reality is that we just don’t know what the long-term effects will be. One stating, “It’s clear that this is being rushed. Once the land is used for an AI Data Center, the damage to the land cannot be undone; there is no reusing that land in the future; it will be destroyed.”

One woman said there needed to be more transparency and asked why the public doesn’t find out until after things are already underway; and says, “there are already 500 AI Data Centers in the state of Texas, how many more do we need?”

Once the public comment period was concluded, the majority of the citizens chose to leave the meeting. At this point, an attendee spoke up saying, “I am disappointed in the mass exodus that just occurred. People ask for more transparency because they don’t find out about things until after they happen, yet they don’t attend public meetings where they can learn about what is going on in their communities. They simply rely on social media for their information. They really should get more involved.”

As a side note, reading your public newspapers is also another great way to stay informed about what is going on in your local community.

Due to the large crowd attending this meeting, County Judge Lloyd Lane scheduled a special-called meeting of Commissioners Court for this Wednesday, June 10, to allow more citizens to express their concerns and opinions regarding the AI Data Center project.

A public hearing will be held next Wednesday, June 17, in which Commissioners will vote to approve or deny a second tax abatement for the next phase at the CyrusOne AI Data Center.

Also approved during this meeting were:
–Minutes of May 20, 2026, regular meeting
–Closure of FCR 1080 for repairs on railroad track
–Budget transfers and amendments
–Bill Pay
–Payroll
–Reports from County Clerk, Teague VFD, Extension Agent
–Special Road Use Agreement
–Bond & education certificates of County officials & employees
–Purchase of Ford F-550 Bucket Truck for Road & Bridge Pct. 3 for just over $14,000
–Acceptance of Delinquent Tax Collection Report
–Resolution Authorizing Public Resale of Properties Bid in Trust
–Resolution Authorizing Over-the-Counter Resale of Properties Held in Trust by the County
–Selection of Salary Grievance Committee
–Authorization of Fireworks Sales of July 4th Holiday
–Professional Service Agreement with NEUMOO Professional Services (formerly ACS Recording) for continued storage of microfilm for District Clerk’s Office
–Teague Fire Department Texas Forestry Service Grant Match for a jaws-of-life
–Acceptance of contractor statement of qualifications for Freestone County Courthouse Restoration
–Acceptance of updated Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance

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.