Residents Press Commissioners on Budget Cuts, Developer Incentives and Data Centers

Three residents addressed Camden County commissioners Thursday evening during the second public hearing on the tentative 2026 millage rates.

Rick Manning of Bullhead Bluff said residents understand the importance of fund balance but argued rising equipment and fuel costs are not enough of an explanation, saying the county can cut spending and pointing to what he described as misuse of funds documented through open records.

Tracy Ann Perdue of Kingsland asked whether the county is giving tax credits to land developers and urged commissioners to require community investment from future projects. A commissioner said the county is not giving tax incentives for the residential apartment development currently under way, noting most of that growth is inside city limits. Another commissioner added that the county has an impact-fee schedule in the unincorporated area.

Andrew Showalter of Kingsland asked for the board's stance on data centers. A commissioner said the board is developing a technology zoning classification that would cover data centers and other uses, pointed to a Tuesday work session on the topic, and said further public hearings are coming. After public comment, the board adjourned the hearing on a motion and second.