The Crossville City Council has called a special meeting for tomorrow, July 28, 2026, to address key municipal matters, highlighted by a proposed two-year moratorium on data centers and the appointment of a new council member following a recent sudden vacancy.

Proposed 24-Month Data Center Moratorium

At the top of the legislative agenda is an ordinance imposing an immediate 24-month temporary moratorium on accepting, processing, or approving land use, zoning, and building permits for data centers and high-density computing facilities, including cryptocurrency mining and AI processing operations.

City officials cite a surge in development inquiries across Tennessee and express concerns regarding the strain these high-demand facilities place on public utility grids, water supplies, and local infrastructure. The proposed ordinance points out that data centers consume massive amounts of energy and water while generating persistent, low-frequency ambient noise from cooling systems and substations.

If passed, the two-year pause will allow the Planning Commission and municipal staff to study environmental, acoustic, and utility impacts and establish permanent land-use rules. Future standards under consideration include:

• Noise Controls: Mandatory acoustic enclosures, maximum decibel limits (e.g., 45 dBA at property lines), predictive sound studies, and buffer zones up to a half-mile from residential areas, schools, and parks.

• Water Conservation: Restrictions on water usage effectiveness (WUE), chemical pre-treatment standards for wastewater, and enhanced stormwater drainage requirements.

• Cost Protection: Directing infrastructure expansion costs (such as electrical substations) entirely onto developers to protect local utility ratepayers.

The moratorium will exempt legally existing operations (provided they do not expand) and facilities fully vested under state law prior to the ordinance’s first reading.

Council Vacancy and Appointment

The council will also address a resolution to formally declare a vacant council seat and appoint a replacement following the unexpected death of Councilman James Mayberry on July 6, 2026.

Mayberry was elected in November 2024 to a four-year term running through 2028. Per the city charter, remaining council members must fill the vacancy within 60 days. The chosen appointee will serve until the upcoming municipal election on November 3, 2026, at which point voters will elect a successor to complete the remainder of the term through November 2028.

Other Agenda Items

In addition to the data center moratorium and council appointment, the special meeting agenda includes:

• Discussion and action on a School Resource Officer (SRO) grant application and contract.

• Discussions regarding a water assets transfer referendum.

• An ordinance amending the FY25–26 budget for end-of-year adjustments.

The meeting will take place in Conference Room 317 at Crossville City Hall (392 North Main Street) and will begin with a public comment period.