In a special session of the Oldham County Fiscal Court on June 26, 2025, community concerns about the impact of data centers on local quality of life took center stage. Residents expressed their apprehensions regarding potential pollution and the lack of a dedicated task force to evaluate the implications of these developments.

During the meeting, a resident with industry experience voiced strong concerns about the environmental effects of data centers, questioning the court's technical expertise in making informed decisions. The absence of a technical review committee to independently assess the data centers was highlighted, with officials admitting they were still in the process of forming such a group. This raised alarms among community members who feel that the court is not adequately prepared to handle the complexities of these projects.

Another resident, Barry Laws, emphasized the need for the court to support the community's interests, stating that many feel their concerns are not being taken seriously. He urged the court to act in the best interest of residents, reflecting a broader sentiment of distrust towards local leadership.

Garrett Ackles, a local realtor, offered his expertise to assist in forming a task force to analyze the potential impact of data centers on property values. He advocated for a moratorium on further processing of data center approvals until more information is gathered, arguing that the threat of legal action against the county is overstated.

The meeting concluded with a reading of a letter from the Secretary of Economic Development, which underscored the importance of community input in determining the suitability of data centers for Oldham County. The letter emphasized that the community is best positioned to assess the potential economic benefits and drawbacks of such projects.

As discussions continue, residents are left hoping for a more transparent and inclusive approach from their local government, one that prioritizes the health and well-being of the community in the face of rapid development.