Oldham County residents voiced strong concerns during a special session of the Fiscal Court on June 26, 2025, primarily focused on the proposed development of a hyperscale data center in the area. The meeting, which extended for over four hours, featured passionate testimonies from community members who expressed fears about the potential impacts of such a facility on their quality of life and the environment.

One of the most significant calls to action came from resident Don Erler, who urged the court to impose a moratorium on the data center application until proper zoning regulations could be established. He argued that the proposed site does not meet the necessary criteria for a hyperscale data center and emphasized the need for comprehensive planning to protect the community. "We need a complete moratorium... No exceptions. No exemptions," Erler stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Residents like Kathy Horakovic and Arthur Blake echoed these sentiments, sharing personal stories about their families' concerns regarding the data center's potential noise and pollution. Horakovic noted that her children, who grew up in Oldham County, have expressed a desire not to return if the data centers are built, indicating a broader fear of losing the community's character. Blake added that the proposed data center could lead to significant changes in the county, which many residents fear could be detrimental.

The meeting also saw tensions rise as some attendees criticized the court's transparency and decision-making process. Horakovic pointed out discrepancies in the court's communication, questioning how a meeting could be deemed public while simultaneously labeling the release of its recording as a betrayal. This sentiment of distrust was palpable, with several speakers asserting that the court had already made up its mind about the data center project.

As the session concluded, the call for a moratorium remained a focal point, with many residents urging the court to prioritize community input and ensure that any future developments align with the values and needs of Oldham County residents. The discussions highlighted a community at a crossroads, grappling with the implications of rapid industrial development and the desire to preserve the character of their hometown. The court's next steps will be crucial in determining the future landscape of Oldham County.