FLORENCE, AZ — Florence Town Council voted unanimously on June 29 to advertise for five members of a proposed Data Center Facility Ad Hoc Advisory Committee. The Florence data center committee will review environmental, infrastructure, public service, socioeconomic, land use, and economic development impacts tied to potential data center facilities.
However, the committee will not have authority to approve or deny any project. Instead, it will provide research and recommendations to the Town Council. Councilmembers Jose Maldonado and Tony Bencina proposed the panel. According to the agenda, both will serve as council liaisons.
Sponsors describe the Florence data center committee as fact-finding
During discussion, Maldonado told colleagues the committee’s mission would be fact-finding. “There’s a lot of talk out there about data centers, and our thought is, let’s create something that’s factual,” he said. Furthermore, Maldonado said the committee will “try to erase any myths that are out there.”
Bencina backed the proposal after attending an all-day Data Center Alliance of Arizona forum with Mayor Keith Eaton on June 25. Video of the forum is available online. According to Bencina, the event focused on “myth over fact” and how to work with residents. As a result, he said he learned in about eight hours how to establish and advance the ad hoc committee.
Meanwhile, Eaton said data center operators need to hear directly from residents. He pointed to a mix of good, bad, and wrong information circulating about data centers.
Vice Mayor Adam suggests county partnership on data centers
Vice Mayor Cathy Adam supported the effort and asked about guidelines for accepting applicants. She said she can name five objective data center experts for the committee. “They either work for the power companies or they’re adamantly against data centers,” Adam said. She said she is hopeful the town can find such people, but applicants “must be knowledgeable experts.”
Additionally, Adam suggested the town coordinate with the county. At least one county supervisor is “very well-versed” in the topic, she said.
Councilmember Buccellato hopes for data center moratorium
Meanwhile, Councilmember Nicole Buccellato raised concerns and said she would like to see a moratorium. For the past six months, she said she has been researching data centers on her own. Additionally, she worried an ad hoc committee’s recommendations could imply false unity among council members.
“I would love to see a moratorium in place until we get these things figured out, just to protect our town and to figure out what we need to do, what direction we feel is right to go,” Buccellato said.
She also said committee members must have no financial stake in data center outcomes. Furthermore, she said she hopes colleagues will keep conducting independent research alongside the committee’s work.
Seven expertise areas will guide the data center advisory committee
According to the meeting agenda, applicants should bring experience in one or more of seven areas: data centers and technology infrastructure, electric utilities, water and wastewater, land use and planning, economic development, public safety, or community planning and public health. Florence residency may be preferred, but the council may consider outside applicants with specialized knowledge.
Beyond the impact areas noted above, the committee will also examine mitigation practices and community education. The committee may invite subject matter experts, provide periodic updates to council, help identify questions the town should ask developers and other stakeholders, and prepare a final written summary or recommendation for council consideration.
Expert advises against town hall format for public education
Later in the meeting, Bencina told the council that Dr. Western of the Rural Collaboration Organization made a strong impression. According to Bencina, Dr. Western talked about how to properly educate residents.
“The one thing she said you do not do is hold a town hall. That’s the worst thing you could do,” Bencina relayed.
Council will appoint committee members at future meeting
Deputy Town Manager Lisa Garcia clarified that the June 29 vote authorized advertising only. “Until you appoint them, there’s no committee,” Garcia said. The agenda lists no financial impact for forming the Florence data center committee.
Residents interested in serving should watch for the town’s public notice. The council will then appoint five members at a future meeting.
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