Last Updated on April 20, 2026 10:14 am
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings Tuesday when it meets for its regular session at 5:30 p.m. at the Watauga County Recreation Center Community Room.
The first hearing will allow citizens to comment on data centers in Watauga County. Staff have outlined concerns about power demand, water consumption, and the county's current lack of specific regulations for this type of facility. The county's High Impact Land Use Ordinance does not currently define or regulate data centers, leaving the county with limited tools to protect infrastructure and natural resources if an application were to arrive.
According to background materials prepared by staff, small data centers consume between one and ten megawatts of power — equivalent to the electricity used by 700 to 7,000 homes — while mid-size facilities can consume between 10 and 100 megawatts, rivaling an entire rural electric co-op service area. Staff noted that Watauga County's cooler temperatures, available land, and regional fiber infrastructure make it more attractive to data center developers than many rural mountain counties realize.
Following the hearing, the board may direct staff to develop a temporary moratorium, request Planning Board review and recommendations, schedule work sessions, or take other appropriate action. Should the board adopt a moratorium, staff would work with county partners — including utilities, the NC Department of Environmental Quality, the Division of Water Resources, the UNC School of Government, and the county attorney — to develop permanent High Impact Land Use regulations for data centers.
The second public hearing will take up proposed amendments to three existing county ordinances — Soil Erosion, Flood Damage Prevention, and Watershed Protection — along with a new Chapter 24 on development permit administration. The Planning Board approved the amendments on November 17, 2025. Some changes are required by the state; others are intended to consolidate and clarify existing language. Following the hearing, the board may adopt the amendments as presented or take other action.
Also on Tuesday's agenda, NC State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor will recognize the Stewart Simmons Volunteer Fire Department for an improved ISO rating, which can lower homeowner insurance premiums in the department's service area.
The board will consider a $45,000 funding request from the Todd Community Preservation Organization for Phase III of riverbank stabilization and storm damage repairs at Todd Community Park in Ashe County. The total project cost is $274,300. Blue Ridge RC&D Project Manager Jonathan Hartsell has secured additional funding for the project.
AppalCart Director Craig Hughes will present FY 2027 transportation contracts for the Project on Aging and Department of Social Services. The rate remains $2.85 per direct mile for standard service and $2.00 per direct mile for meal delivery.
Two emergency services items are on the agenda: approval of a $31,501.80 communications tower for the new Emergency Services Facility from Engineered Tower Solutions, and a request to surplus four Zoll X-Series defibrillator monitors for $5,500 each to CoroMed as part of a previously approved trade-in arrangement.
The board will consider accepting a state Helene Recovery Recycling Infrastructure grant for the Sanitation Department, which would fund roll-off containers, a metal pre-crusher, and a mini-excavator with no local match required.
Change orders for the Valle Crucis School construction and the new EMS Facility are included in the miscellaneous administrative matters section.
The board will also consider accepting FEMA funds and authorizing a $17,275 contract with Round Rock Design & Earthworks for trail repairs at Rocky Knob Park.
Additional items include a National Apprenticeship Week proclamation, recognition of Small Business Week, a volunteer application for the DSS Advisory Board, and an announcement of a joint meeting with Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute trustees on May 20.
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Agenda packets are available through the county website.
