The Sundown City Council voted unanimously to take part in discussions about a potential data center on land owned by Mallet Ranch. No concrete project plans are in place yet. The vote came at a special meeting that started at 8 a.m. and ran until about 9:30 a.m., after more than an hour of public comment.
Ranch owners contacted the city about land east of Sundown. They asked whether officials wanted to be involved if development moved forward. That request led council members to call the special session.
Mayor Jonathan Strickland said residents have raised concerns about water, electricity and roads. He said water is a major worry in the area because of past droughts and a low aquifer. He also said officials do not yet know how a data center would affect local electricity use. Strickland said the Texas Department of Transportation wants to take part in road discussions, because heavy equipment could damage pavement and other infrastructure.
The council's vote means the city will be involved in talks about any potential development. No data center construction plans have been finalized.