Catch up on government news and updates from the Hays County region, including decisions surrounding water conservation.
1. San Marcos denies data center plans
Plans for a proposed 200-acre data center in San Marcos were halted Feb. 17 when council members rejected a Preferred Scenario Map amendment.
The requested change would have allowed landowners, Highlander SM One LLC, or John Maberry, and Donald and Germaine Tuff to develop a data center—a project met with significant pushback from community members.
What happened
Hundreds of residents gathered outside the San Marcos courthouse to protest the proposed data center, waving handmade signs outlining their opposition. Over 100 community members spoke on the data center during the meeting’s almost five-hour-long citizen comment period.
Inside the council chambers, dozens of members of the San Antonio-based labor union LiUNA! Laborers Local 1095 stood in support of the project. Donning bright orange shirts, members spoke on the union construction jobs the data center project would create.
A majority of speakers voiced their opposition to the data center, citing high water usage, increased strain on the ERCOT grid and potential environmental impacts on the surrounding land and residents.
2. Legal questions stall Hays County moratorium on water-heavy projects
Hays County Commissioners Court tabled agenda items related to emergency drought response, conservation and a development moratorium during a Feb. 24 meeting.
The items would have addressed concerns surrounding water availability in the region and potential developments that use large amounts of water.
The overview
The commissioners’ agenda featured three water-related items aimed at addressing extreme drought conditions across the state.
A moratorium on the issuance of new permits to developments that would utilize large amounts of water was considered by the court at the meeting. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra tabled the item following community testimony and court discussion.
3. Hays County OKs water study amid severe drought
Hays County will get its first comprehensive water study since 2011 after a Hays County Commissioners Court decision at a Jan. 20 meeting.
The study will help commissioners better understand current water conditions and plan for long-term sustainability that supports responsible water management.
Current situation
Significant growth in Hays County has increased development pressure over the last decade, according to the county. The region has been in a multi-year drought that has grown in severity since 2022.
The final results of the study, to be conducted by HDR Engineers Inc., are expected at the end of an 11-month period and will not exceed a cost of $542,360. County officials expect to report updates throughout the process. The community will have opportunities to engage with the study throughout its progress.