Know Leon County Podcast

Leon County officials laid out what a data center will cost taxpayers: two new county departments, dozens of new positions, a $7.7 million deficit — and they still want to hand out a tax abatement.In Episode 18, Michael and Daniel walk through the county budget presentation, the PILOT pitch buried inside it, and the moment a citizen asked directly whether officials were making the case for an abatement — and got a shrug for an answer. Officials also spelled out what gets cut if the money doesn't show up: the Expo Center, veterans services, Meals on Wheels, and the county dumps.What we cover:The two new departments — Emergency Services and Development Services — and every position the county says it needs: a fire marshal, full-time firefighters, EMS medics, deputies, dispatch, JP clerical staff, and a TCEQ septic inspector.The $7.7 million deficit, and why the county says Year 2 costs more as services scale from 75% to 100%.0 to 2,500 temporary construction workers over 12 to 16 months — people who won't be county residents and won't pay into the tax base they're straining.What gets cut first: Expo Center, veterans, Meals on Wheels, dumps. "We can't cut anything else."Why a PILOT is not the safety net you've been told it is. We asked what happens if the company simply decides not to pay. The answer: the county sues them. On your dime.The company doesn't own the land. The project isn't far enough along to answer basic questions. The abatement request is already on the table.The negotiating position: after abatement training that told commissioners they could bankrupt the county by saying no, who is actually setting the terms?"It's not an incentive, it's a tool." We break down the strawman, the red herring, and the misrepresentation packed into that answer.78% of rural Texans oppose data centers — and none of them get a vote on this.A budget was presented as if it were public, held up for the room to see, and never actually shown to anyone who wasn't sitting on the dais. So we're doing what we always do: walking you through what was said, what it means, and what they'd rather you didn't put together.Know Leon County covers local government, property taxes, data centers, battery storage, water rights, and public accountability in Leon County, Texas and across rural Texas.More at knowleoncounty.org — follow the show so you don't miss an episode.

Leon County taxpayers are being told that a tax abatement may be necessary to gain “control,” “oversight,” and “enforcement” over a massive new data center project.But does that argument actually hold up?In Episode 17 of the Know Leon County Podcast, we dig into the claims being made to justify a potential tax abatement — and ask some questions every Leon County taxpayer deserves answered.We break down arguments like:• “Without an abatement, they’ll just do whatever they want.”• “We need an abatement to control their water use.”• “We need an abatement to control their power use.”• “We need an abatement to force them to pay.”• “We need an abatement to control the noise.”• “The lawyers say an agreement is the best option.”Here’s the question at the center of this episode:Why should Leon County taxpayers give up millions of dollars in potential tax revenue just to get promises from a company about how it will behave?If a project requires tax breaks just to promise not to destroy the peace, quiet, and property values of surrounding taxpayers, is that really a good deal for Leon County?And if the company already uses closed-loop liquid cooling, why would taxpayers need to subsidize them to do what their own technology already requires?We also examine a major misconception about property taxes: a company does not need a tax abatement agreement before the county can tax it. Property owners may protest valuations, but unpaid taxes can still trigger penalties, interest, tax liens, and collection actions.A tax abatement does not create the obligation to pay taxes.It reduces the taxes owed.Those are two very different things.Watch Episode 17, share it with your neighbors, and tell us in the comments:Would you support giving a massive data center a tax abatement in exchange for promises about noise, water, and oversight — or should they simply pay their taxes like everyone else?Subscribe to Know Leon County for local government coverage, public records, accountability, and conversations about the decisions shaping the future of Leon County, Texas.#LeonCountyTX #KnowLeonCounty #TaxAbatement #DataCenters #TexasPolitics #LocalGovernment #PropertyTaxes #CorporateWelfare #TaxpayerAccountability #GovernmentTransparency #LeonCounty

Know Leon County Podcast | Episode 16: Who's Watching? Surveillance, Transparency, and Taking ActionIn Episode 16 of the Know Leon County Podcast, we discuss several issues affecting Leon County and Texans across the state. We recap recent events at the Texas Republican Convention and the public forum in Matagorda and Bay City, examine ongoing concerns about government transparency, and talk about why citizen involvement in local and state government matters.We also take a hard look at Flock Safety cameras and automated license plate reader technology. These systems collect information about vehicles traveling on public roads and are raising serious questions about privacy, government surveillance, and how emerging technologies could be used in the future.Topics covered in this episode include:Texas Republican Convention recapMatagorda and Bay City community meetingsGovernment transparency and public meeting agendasFlock Safety cameras and automated license plate readers (ALPR)Privacy concerns and surveillance technology in TexasUpcoming public hearings on natural resources, water rights, and utility policyWhy Texans need to stay informed and get involvedCitizen engagement matters. Whether it's showing up at county commissioners court, speaking at public hearings, or simply staying informed, your voice can make a difference.🔔 Subscribe for more episodes covering:✔ Leon County news and politics✔ Texas government and public policy✔ Data centers, water rights, and energy issues✔ Property rights and government transparency✔ Community events and citizen action👍 Like, comment, and share this episode to help keep Leon County informed.#KnowLeonCounty #LeonCountyTX #TexasPolitics #GovernmentTransparency #PropertyRights #WaterRights #Privacy #Surveillance #FlockSafety #DataCenters #TexasNews #CitizenEngagement

Fact-Checking the Leon County Commissioners Court | Know Leon County Podcast Ep. 15This week, Daniel and Michael roll the tape. We sit down with select clips from Wednesday's Leon County Commissioners Court and break down the claims made by the County Judge, the Commissioners, and the County Attorney — separating what's accurate from the misinformation and outright false statements presented to the public as fact.If you've ever wondered whether what gets said from the dais holds up to scrutiny, this is the episode for you. We go clip by clip, point out exactly where the record diverges from reality, and give you the context the meeting didn't.We also look back at recent speaking engagements and what they accomplished, plus a rundown of where you can catch Michael speaking next.Know Leon County exists to keep local government honest, transparent, and accountable to the people it serves. If that matters to you, watch, share, and get involved.🎧 More at knowleoncounty.org👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — what did you catch that we missed?#LeonCounty #KnowLeonCounty #LocalGovernment #Accountability #Transparency #Texas #CommissionersCourt #CivicEngagement

Texas counties are finally fighting back against data centers. HillCounty just became the FIRST in Texas to pass a moratorium — and LeonCounty has 12 major projects pending right now.In Episode 14 of the Know Leon County Podcast, Michael Rice and DanielMcCoslin connect the dots from Hill County's historic 3-2 vote to RedOak's midnight rezoning, OpenAI's Stargate supercluster in Milam County,the SpaceX chip plant in Grimes County, and the Corpus Christi watercrisis that should terrify every rural Texan.We cover:- Why Hill County's moratorium is the new playbook for rural Texas- The 12 energy and BESS projects pending in Leon County (before you count data centers)- How "midnight votes" get 830-acre rezonings passed before residents even know about them- Why OpenAI's Stargate is NOT just another data center- The UT Austin report projecting data centers will consume 3% to 9% of all Texas water by 2040- How Corpus Christi ended up rationing residential water while ExxonMobil, Valero, and Oxy kept pumping 55 million gallons a day- What the 391 Planning Commission actually does — and why Leon County finally getting one done mattersIf you live in rural Texas, this one's for you. Share it with yourneighbors, and show up to your next commissioners court meeting.Learn more, read the show notes, and get involved:https://knowleoncounty.orgCitizens for Responsible Growth: https://crglc.orgFollow the show for weekly Leon County civic news and rural Texasdeep-dives. New episodes every week.

Two weeks of news, one episode to catch you up. Michael, Daniel, and Ann break down everything that's been happening in Leon County, across the surrounding region, and at the state level — from a brand new planning committee that may or may not have any real power, to a solar and BESS facility that just broke ground on Highway 3 with no county fire marshal in place to inspect it.IN THIS EPISODE:LEON COUNTYThe 391 Planning Commission is now official. Commissioners passed the resolution on January 29th and published the public application on March 9th — but only one citizen seat is available. We should be celebrating this, but the county has already made clear the committee has no binding authority and commissioners aren't required to act on its recommendations. Is this meaningful input or just optics?The Pecan Solar and BESS facility near Hilltop on Highway 3 has broken ground after sitting dormant since 2018. Now that construction has started, two questions need answers fast: Are they complying with fire codes with no county fire marshal to inspect them? And are CATL or Gotion components anywhere in their supply chain?SURROUNDING COUNTIESRobertson County residents are discovering what Leon County already knows — reinvestment zones for solar farms can be approved quietly, with little public notice. The response from county leadership has been dismissive. We are actively helping Robertson County organizers get up to speed.Van Zandt County's unanimous moratorium is one month strong and still holding. Citizen activist Nancy White, Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer, and a commissioners court that actually listened made it happen. The trigger was finding CATL battery products — on the Texas Prohibited Technology List — in planned projects. This is proof that engaged leadership and community organizing can make a real difference.Grimes County found out on March 10th that Geronimo Power is planning a massive data center near Iola and a BESS facility in Singleton — because Geronimo called the mayor. There is a community meeting on March 19th at 6pm at the Iola Community Center. If you know anyone in Grimes County, spread the word.STATE LEVELAt a recent Leon County Commissioner's Court session, a commissioner openly admitted the commissioners are not fire experts — and then a burn ban was lifted during extreme drought conditions with no formal process and no consultation with the U.S. Forest Service. That admission is exactly the argument for hiring a county fire marshal. BESS fires, solar installation fires, and data center failures are not hypothetical. Other Texas counties are dealing with them right now.CATL and Gotion are subject to Chinese cybersecurity and national intelligence laws, giving the Chinese government legal authority over their products. Texas has placed both on the Prohibited Technologies List, yet no law requires developers to disclose what battery cells are going into these projects. At least three Texas BESS projects are implicated. Counties have tools to act right now — local ordinances, 391 committees, and development agreements can all require disclosure.WHAT YOU CAN DOIf you are in Leon County, apply for the 391 Planning Commission or encourage someone you trust to apply. If you are in Grimes County, get to the March 19th meeting in Iola. Follow Van Zandt County's lead — community organizing plus elected officials who listen equals results. And share this episode. These stories are happening faster than most people realize, and awareness is the first line of defense.Know Leon County is an independent podcast covering local government, land use, energy infrastructure, and community issues in Leon County, Texas and the surrounding region.

As rural Texas experiences rapid growth, many residents are asking important questions about fire safety, inspections, and large industrial development.In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Palmer, Fire Marshal of Van Zandt County, to walk through how fire prevention actually works at the county level.We discuss:What a fire marshal does day-to-dayWhere their authority comes from in TexasHow fire codes are adopted and enforcedWhat happens in counties without a fire marshalWhether these positions “pay for themselves”Inspection fees and funding questionsFire risks associated with large industrial sitesBattery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and how those fires are handledWhat small business owners can expect during inspectionsThis is a public education conversation designed to help rural communities better understand how fire safety systems function before emergencies happen.

Michael and Daniel sit down with water expert Dr. Charles Porter to talk about how water rights work in Texas and what landowners should understand before major development reaches rural areas.The discussion covers ownership of groundwater, differences between water and mineral rights, shared aquifers, and how large industrial users can affect surrounding communities.This episode is part of the Know Leon County Podcast.

We sit down with Scott MacLeod, candidate for U.S. Congress in Texas’s 10th Congressional District, to talk about why he’s running and the issues facing the district.The conversation covers representation for rural communities, infrastructure, energy development, and what constituents expect from Congress.This episode is part of the Know Leon County Podcast.

We sit down with Jeremy Story, candidate for U.S. Congress in Texas’s 10th Congressional District, to talk about why he’s running and the issues facing the district.The conversation covers representation for rural communities, infrastructure, energy development, and what constituents expect from Congress.This episode is part of the Know Leon County Podcast.

We sit down with Rob Altman, candidate for U.S. Congress in Texas’s 10th Congressional District, to talk about why he’s running and the issues facing the district.Topics include representation for rural communities, infrastructure, energy development, and what constituents expect from Congress.This episode is part of the Know Leon County Podcast.

Hyperscaler expert Krisha Tracy joins Michael & Daniel to discuss how large data centers secure power and what that process can mean for local communities. Topics include power sourcing, grid reliability, rural siting, transparency, and potential impacts on ranchers and agricultural operations.

Weekly wrap-up covering Commissioners Court rescheduling, resolutions related to the proposed Marquez data center and the 391 Regional Planning Committee, discussion of National Fire Code requirements for industrial projects, letters sent by county officials to state leaders, low meeting turnout, and upcoming interviews with subject matter experts and candidates.https://www.knowleoncounty.org

Interview with Jessica Karlsruher, congressional candidate for Texas District 10, discussing rural issues, federal policy, and the future of Central Texas.Interview with Jessica Karlsruher, candidate for U.S. Congress (TX-10)Discussion on rural communities, infrastructure, energy, and federal prioritiesCandidate shares background, values, and campaign focus

In this weekly wrap-up episode of the Know Leon County podcast, we cover the latest developments related to data center proposals, county actions, public records requests, and upcoming meetings — along with a timely discussion about winter storm risk in Texas.Topics Covered in This Episode501(c)(4) Update All paperwork for our 501(c)(4) organization has been completed and submitted. We are currently waiting on the IRS for next steps. Once finalized, we’ll be able to open a bank account and provide clear, transparent ways for people to donate. We’ll share details as soon as that process is complete.Data Center Resolution At the most recent Commissioners Court meeting, a proposed resolution related to data centers, solar projects, and battery energy storage systems was introduced but tabled. We discuss what tabling means, why a revised resolution is expected to return, and why the specific language of that resolution will matter.Public Information Act (PIA) Request We walk through a response letter received from the County Attorney regarding a Public Information Act request. We explain what the letter does say, what it does not say, and why references to “ongoing or prospective economic development negotiations” are significant — without speculation or accusation.Tax Posts from County Officials We discuss recent Facebook posts by county officials related to tax rates and public votes. This segment focuses on transparency, public records, and why explaining difficult decisions builds more trust than disputing documented votes.What’s Next We preview upcoming Commissioners Court meetings (weather-dependent) and share plans for future podcast episodes, including interviews with candidates running for Congress to discuss data centers and related policy issues.Know Leon County focuses on sharing verified information, public records, and firsthand observations to help residents stay informed about local government actions and major projects affecting Leon County, Texas.🔗 Website: https://www.knowleoncounty.org📧 Questions or tips: [email protected]

Know Leon County podcast Episode 3 weekly wrap-up covering the Leon County Commissioners Court meeting and the Jewett town hall. Ann and Daniel join to discuss key takeaways, community concerns, and what residents should watch next regarding the proposed data center and battery storage projects.January 16, 2026 · 1 min · [email protected] Episode 3 of the Know Leon County podcast, we’re joined by Ann and Daniel for a weekly wrap-up discussion focused on two major community events:The Leon County Commissioners Court meeting held on MondayThe town hall meeting in Jewett held on TuesdayTogether, we walk through how each meeting unfolded, what stood out, how officials and residents engaged, and what information is most important for people who were unable to attend in person.This episode is part of an ongoing effort to provide clear, factual updates so residents can stay informed about major projects and local government actions affecting Leon County.Commissioners Court meeting recap and key momentsObservations on tone, responses, and processJewett town hall turnout and community concernsCommon questions raised by residentsWhat to watch for nextTopics Covered

Community Organizing UpdatesThis week, the team that runs the Citizens Against Marquez Data and Storage Center Facebook group met to prepare for two upcoming public events:The Commissioners Court meeting on Monday, January 12The Town Hall meeting in Jewett on Tuesday, January 13During that meeting, we discussed who would be speaking and which topics would be covered. We also reviewed the informational handbooks that will be handed out at the town hall.If you are unable to attend the town hall but have questions you would like asked, please email them to [email protected]. Several community members have asked about a livestream option, and we are currently working to see if that can be made available.This week, the County Judge forwarded an email he received from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). TPWD confirmed they have received a request from Energy Renewal Partners to review the Kahla Project.We are glad to see that review process underway. There are many native species in the project area, and it is important that potential environmental impacts are fully considered.The Judge also shared an email he received from Belltown Power. In that message, Belltown acknowledged the project but stated they are still in an evaluation and study phase. They declined to attend meetings at this time, noting that they want to verify specific project details before engaging publicly.Our team is also discussing potential legal paths forward. Other counties in Texas have used the courts to slow or stop similar projects, and we are evaluating how those approaches may apply here.We are currently looking for individuals from those counties who may be willing to share insight and guidance based on their experiences.Agency and Project UpdatesLegal Options Being Explored

In this first episode of the Know Leon County podcast, I walk through how we first learned about the proposed data center and battery storage projects in Leon County.I cover:How the initial Amazon rumor startedWhat research showed (and didn’t show)Discovering the Kahla Data Center and Storage projectsA phone call with the County Judge that revealed four total projectsHow residents organized quickly to share informationWhere to go to stay informed as this continues