Bristol City Council Votes for Moratorium on Data Centers

Bristol, Tennessee, October 8, 2025

News Summary

The Bristol City Council has unanimously approved a two-year moratorium on data processing centers within the city. This decision allows time for officials to develop regulations for such facilities, and comes amid similar actions in neighboring areas. The council is also discussing potential reductions in property tax rates following a recent hike. A special session for public hearing on the tax proposal is scheduled for October 20. Mayor Vince Turner emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to data processing centers to address community concerns.

Bristol, Tennessee – The Bristol City Council has voted unanimously to implement a two-year moratorium on data processing centers within the city limits. This decision is aimed at providing officials with adequate time to formulate and regulate the requirements for such facilities. The ordinance will take effect in 17 days.

The council’s decision comes in the wake of similar actions taken in neighboring areas. Earlier in June, the Johnson City Commission approved a one-year moratorium on data centers, while a proposed moratorium in Johnson County failed to pass in September. This string of regulatory measures indicates a growing concern about the impact of data processing centers in Tennessee.

Councilmember Margaret Feierabend expressed that the moratorium could be lifted before the two-year period ends if the necessary regulations are established. Conversely, the city also holds the option to extend the moratorium if additional time is needed to ensure comprehensive regulations are in place.

In addition to the moratorium on data processing centers, the Bristol City Council has begun discussions regarding a potential reduction in property tax rates, following an earlier hike. Currently, the property tax rate in Bristol stands at $1.87 per $100 of assessed value. Should the proposal receive approval, the tax rate could see a reduction of 2.5 cents per $100. The first vote on this property tax proposal has already been passed with a vote of 4-1, although council member Margaret Feierabend voted against it.

A special session is scheduled for October 20 at 4 p.m. to hold a public hearing and to conduct a final vote on the property tax proposal. The council has not yet fielded any inquiries regarding data processing centers, but officials aim to proactively address concerns that have arisen in other localities where such facilities are concerned.

Mayor Vince Turner commented that the moratorium serves as a necessary pause, allowing the city and the zoning board to establish a comprehensive approach to data processing centers that ensures community interests are taken into account. The council meeting where this decision was made was notable for the attendance of new Councilman Matt Slagle, who assumed the role following the resignation of former mayor Mark Hutton. The city conducted interviews with eleven candidates before selecting Slagle, a previous Sullivan County commissioner, for this position.

As Bristol and neighboring communities navigate the evolving landscape of data processing center regulation, local officials are focused on creating a responsible framework that promotes responsible growth while addressing community concerns.

Key Features:

• Implementation of a two-year moratorium on data processing centers
• Opportunity for regulation review to potentially lift the moratorium early
• Current property tax rate is $1.87 per $100, with a proposed reduction of 2.5 cents
• Next public hearing on property tax proposal set for October 20
• New Councilman Matt Slagle sworn in during the meeting

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Additional Resources

• New York Times
• Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
• Government Technology
• Google Search: Bristol Tennessee data center moratorium
• WJHL
• Google Scholar: Bristol Tennessee property tax
• WCYB
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Tennessee
• WJHL
• Google News: Bristol Tennessee data center moratorium

Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER

The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.