Franklin County residents demand transparency on data center negotiations

ROCKY MOUNT, Va. (WDBJ) — Tensions rose at a Franklin County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday night, as speaker after speaker questioned what the county has agreed to behind closed doors amid growing data center interest in the area.

One speaker was removed during public comment. The crowd grew louder as the session continued, with residents demanding to be heard.

Residents push back on NDAs

Resident Laura Carter was among those calling for greater transparency, particularly surrounding non-disclosure agreements tied to data center discussions.

“They do like to say the NDAs are part of standard business practice,” Carter said. “Government to me is not standard business practice. That is citizens and their tax-paying dollars and their communities.”

Carter said the issue comes down to trust.

“But if you’re not talking to us, how do we trust that you are good stewards of our money,” she said.

Supervisor acknowledges transparency concerns

County Supervisor Dan Quinn said the board has room to improve.

“I do believe that there’s been a lack of transparency on the board, and I am hoping over time we can improve that,” Quinn said.

Quinn also defended the county’s use of confidentiality agreements, saying disclosure could deter future business.

“We — the county maintains confidentiality about these inquiries or we won’t have people coming here to do business,” Quinn said.

The Franklin County Board of Supervisors will continue the meeting Thursday night. Public comment will not be held, but residents are welcome to attend.