Commissioner's Court February 24, 2026

The Hood County Commissioner's Court meeting on February 24, 2026, focused heavily on community concerns regarding the rapid development of large-scale data centers and associated infrastructure projects. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments expressing opposition to data centers due to potential impacts on water resources, environmental health, noise pollution, and community character. Commissioners discussed the legal authority under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 231 Subchapter K to regulate development and debated the feasibility and risks of imposing a moratorium on new data center projects. The court ultimately voted 3-2 against adopting a moratorium, citing legal uncertainties and potential costly litigation. The meeting also addressed other procurement and budget matters, including approval of a capital asset request for the North Hood County Volunteer Fire Department totaling $161,430, authorization for a rifle-resistant body armor grant, transfer of a used vehicle from the sheriff's office to Mission Granberry, approval of a sidewalk installation funded by animal control donations, and selection procedures for a P25 radio consultant contract. Additionally, the court adopted a resolution calling on the Texas legislature to hold a special session to address data center growth statewide. The meeting concluded with approval of payment of invoices totaling approximately $736,332.