Development News for Brandon, Mississippi

Personnel Changes and Training Approved: Resignations Accepted, Officers Attend Training, Salary Increase Granted

The board approved several personnel-related items. They accepted the resignations of Cole Roland (Wastewater Labor 2) and Emanuel Taylor (Wastewater Crew Leader). Additionally, officers Quincy Phillip and Tana Green were authorized to attend a training conference, and retired Chief Joseph French was approved for the issuance of retirement credentials and a badge. The board also approved the destruction of broken fire department equipment and authorized Chief Brian Beg to attend a National Fire Academy course. Finally, an increase in the salary of Sammy El Bangatti was approved, effective June 8, 2026.

Board Approves Utility Repairs, Infrastructure Projects, and Employee Resignations

The board discussed and approved several items related to utility infrastructure and services. These included accepting resignations from two wastewater employees, approving invoices for emergency repairs to a Chamber Well and for a sewer rehab project, and approving change orders for a water well project and a lift station generator project. Additionally, the board approved accepting permanent water utility easements for the Highway 18 Waterline Loop Project and granted permission for Benchmark to develop plans and advertise bids for new parking lot and electrical improvement projects on Municipal Drive. Approvals for utility adjustment denials were also considered.

City Council to Investigate Disputed Water Bill Amidst Meter Mix-Up

The board considered a request for a utility adjustment for Rita Reed concerning a water bill dispute totaling approximately $2,600. The dispute arose from a meter mix-up where Reed's meter information was swapped with her neighbor's, leading to her being undercharged and her neighbor overcharged. Reed reported a toilet leak in October 2025, which was repaired the next day. However, the utility administration stated that high usage was indicated as far back as April/May 2025. The board reviewed the situation, noting that notices for high usage were sent to the neighbor due to the incorrect meter assignment. While the neighbor was aware of the high bills, Reed was not notified until her water service was disconnected. The board decided to investigate further and provide a report at the next meeting, considering the complexities of the meter swap, notification issues, and the apartment complex's maintenance response.

Residents Voice Strong Opposition to Hybrid Data Center Over Health and Environmental Fears

During the public comment period, several residents expressed strong opposition to the proposed hybrid data center, citing health and environmental concerns. Nikki Harvey detailed risks to children in nearby schools and elderly residents, mentioning potential issues like noise, emissions, and bacteria from cooling towers. She highlighted that the facility is a first-of-its-kind hybrid experiment using significant grid power and on-site natural gas turbines, which she believes is an untested model for profit at the expense of taxpayers. Harvey cited nine peer-reviewed medical studies to support her claims and requested the council stand with families for safety. Other residents voiced similar concerns about pollution, health risks, and environmental impact, questioning the consideration of such a facility in their community. There was also concern about property values decreasing due to the data center.