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14 <br /> Jesse advocated a stronger stance, warning companies might skirt regulations during the <br /> moratorium. They pointed out the misleading claims about closed-loop cooling systems and <br /> noted data centers already account for 7% of national electricity use. <br /> Jessica Benton Lobdell supported a cautious pause concerning data center development, <br /> emphasizing the need to address significant issues such as land use and water protection before <br /> approving any new projects. She highlighted the contentious nature of large Al data centers and <br /> pointed out that job creation and tax revenue are often cited benefits, but these benefits require <br /> careful evaluation against potential negative impacts. She emphasized that impacts on <br /> infrastructure like land and water must be considered and effectively managed. She endorsed <br /> the idea of eliminating state tax breaks for data centers. Her comments reflected a broader <br /> concern that local communities should not subsidize these centers through tax incentives when <br /> they potentially lead to environmental stresses. <br /> Ashley Parker spoke in favor of the moratorium on data centers. She noted that <br /> agricultural lands are prime targets for data centers, pointing out NC's rapid farmland loss. She <br /> argued that large data centers would hinder the county's Climate Action Plan, stressing that <br /> current drought conditions exacerbate these challenges. She requested that the Board support <br /> the moratorium. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Vice-Chair Fowler, to close <br /> the public hearing. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> A motion was made by Vice-Chair Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to approve <br /> the Ordinance to Apply a One-Year Moratorium on Data Centers as a Land Use in Orange County. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 6. Regular Agenda <br /> a. Resolution Authorizing Loan to Orange Grove Fire District for Fire Station Improvements as <br /> Part of FY 2025-26 Spring Financing and Approval of Budget Amendment#9-A <br /> The Board approved a resolution authorizing a loan to the Orange Grove Fire District in the <br /> amount of $1.7 million for capital improvements to Fire Station #2 and approved Budget <br /> Amendment #9-A. The County will in turn include the loan amount in its FY 2025-26 Spring <br /> Financing amount. <br /> BACKGROUND: Orange Grove Fire District, Inc. (OGFD) has requested financial assistance to <br /> support renovations and upgrades to Rocky Ridge Fire Station #2 within the Orange Grove Fire <br /> District.The project will convert the existing facility from a garage structure into a fully functioning <br /> fire station with living quarters, office space, and kitchen facilities to support long-term <br /> emergency service delivery in the district. The estimated project cost is approximately $1.7 <br /> million. <br />