By GAGE WILSON
For Glasgow News 1
As ongoing conversations surrounding data centers continue to draw attention in Cave City, the topic is expected to be spotlighted during Monday evening’s regular meeting of the Cave City City Council.
Council members are scheduled to hold the first reading of Ordinance 26-12-3b, which would amend the text of the city’s zoning regulations. While no specific data center project has been proposed for Cave City, recent public discussion has centered on what regulatory framework and zoning requirements a facility of that scale would face should one ever seek to locate within the city.
The broader conversation has sparked debate among residents over infrastructure capacity, water and power usage, environmental concerns and how future industrial growth could shape the community.
Those concerns were recently echoed by council member Andrew Bagshaw, who publicly voiced opposition to the idea of a data center locating in Cave City. Bagshaw cited concerns over strain on local infrastructure, impacts on water and power resources, increased noise and environmental concerns, along with what he described as potential effects on the city’s small-town character and quality of life.
“The citizens of Cave City deserve transparency, honest discussion, and a real voice in decisions that could shape the future of our community for generations,” Bagshaw wrote.
Councilwoman Leticia Cline added that the language of the ordinance had changed since first introduced to the council.
“Under the direction of the mayor the final step involving the Adjustment Board was removed,” she wrote. “That was our protection. That was our leverage. That was the safeguard.”
Public comment at Monday’s meeting is also expected to touch on the issue. Listed on the agenda to speak are David Peterson, CEO of the Caveland Environmental Authority, and geologist Nick Lawhon, both of whom have backgrounds tied to environmental and infrastructure-related matters. Sammy Jo Estes and Tommy Bale are also scheduled for public comment.
In other business, council members are expected to consider Ordinance 26-11-5 amending the city’s noise ordinance, as well as a 2027 Road Aid Resolution.
Financial reports included on the agenda show Cave City collected $63,376.70 in restaurant tax revenue and $29,511.12 in transient room tax revenue during April, with a combined $92,887.82 transferred to the Tourism Commission.
Department activity reports are also scheduled from BRADD representative Matt Pedigo, Fire Chief Kevin Jandt, Police Chief Paul Reynolds and Code Enforcement Officer Karisa Waddle.
The meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11 at 5 p.m. inside the Cave City City Hall Council Chambers.
Key facts:
– Data centers expected to be a key focus of Monday’s Cave City Council meeting in Cave City
– First reading set for Ordinance 26-12-3b amending city zoning regulations
– No specific data center project proposed, but residents debating infrastructure and environmental impacts
– Council member Andrew Bagshaw publicly opposes idea of a data center locating in Cave City
– Councilwoman Leticia Cline says mayor removed Adjustment Board step from ordinance language
– Environmental and infrastructure experts, including Caveland Environmental Authority’s CEO, listed for public comment
– Council also to consider changes to city noise ordinance and a 2027 Road Aid Resolution
– April restaurant and transient room taxes totaled $92,887.82 transferred to the Tourism Commission
– Meeting set for Monday, May 11 at 5 p.m. in Cave City Hall Council Chambers
