IRWIN COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — A new development in South Georgia is adding to the conversation surrounding a proposed data center in Irwin County as county leaders move to dissolve the local industrial authority. Officials said that decision is separate from the data center proposal, but it has prompted questions from residents about oversight and community input. According to Irwin County Chairman Vince Thompson, county leaders are still in the research phase, and no votes have been taken on the proposed data center. Thompson said officials are evaluating potential benefits and impacts, including whether the project could expand the county’s tax base in a community that largely depends on homeowners and landowners to fund services. Thompson said commissioners are studying both water and electricity demands before making any decisions. He said his understanding is that the Georgia Public Service Commission regulates electricity rates in Georgia, and that agreements between the commission and utility providers are intended to prevent residential customers from absorbing costs tied to large commercial users such as data centers. Still, county leaders said they are continuing to gather i
