Bolivar, Tenn. – At a recent city council meeting, Mayor Julian McTizic announced that the council will pause any action on a proposed data center at the city’s industrial complex while it conducts thorough studies on the potential financial and environmental effects of such a facility.
Council seeks to safeguard the Hatchie River
Mayor McTizic explained that an inquiry was made about a data center but it has not resulted in a property sale. “The council just decided not to take any action but also make sure we do some studies on what it will look like for a data center to be in our community,” he said.
Councilwoman Caroline Miller highlighted the importance of the Hatchie River, describing it as “one of our greatest resources.” She stressed the need to protect the river’s water quality and maintain the natural resource for future generations.
Community input and transparency
City leaders emphasized a commitment to transparency and keeping residents informed as they evaluate interest in a data center. Although members of the public were given an opportunity to speak, no comments were offered during the meeting.
Mayor McTizic noted that several parties have expressed interest in bringing a data center to Bolivar, but the city has not actively recruited any developers. The council’s cautious approach reflects a desire to balance potential economic benefits with the preservation of local environmental assets.
Next steps
The council plans to commission studies that will assess the financial viability, job creation potential, and environmental impact of a data center on the Hatchie River and surrounding community. Findings will be presented at a future council meeting, where a decision on whether to adopt a formal moratorium will be considered.
By taking a proactive stance, Bolivar officials aim to ensure that any future development aligns with the town’s values of responsible stewardship, family‑friendly growth, and protection of natural resources.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
