News Flash

February 25, 2026PUBLIC STATEMENTCRG, through its attorneys, has notified the City of Festus that they are ready to negotiate the terms of a development agreement with the City regarding the proposed data center. My goal is for the City to negotiate an agreement with the developer that will lock in long-term benefits for the City of Festus and its residents, and that will set expectations for the developer to address the concerns that we have heard from you over the last few months. The City recognizes that it is in the public interest to expeditiously negotiate a tentative agreement that can be presented to the City Council and to the public, for their review and comment, prior to final approval. However, while we recognize the interest in moving swiftly, we will not do so at the expense of getting this right. We want our residents to have confidence that this will be a positive development for the City, and that their concerns about issues such as noise, water usage, and power usage, have been heard.With those objectives in mind, I am calling a special meeting of the City Council on Thursday February 26th at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers, for the Council to vote on an ordinance approving an agreement with MarksNelson Advisors to provide consulting services to the City as it negotiates a development agreement. If such ordinance is approved, Steve Etcher with MarksNelson will attend a work session of the City Council, scheduled for Monday, March 2 at 5:00 P.M. at 406 West Main Street. At this meeting, the Council, along with representatives from Festus R-VI School District, Jefferson College, Jefferson County, Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department will discuss with Mr. Etcher their expectations for a community benefit agreement with the developer.Once a tentative agreement has been reached, the public will have an opportunity to review the tentative agreement prior to the City Council’s vote on such agreement. If a development agreement is approved by the City Council, the developer would be required by Ordinance 4858, which the City Council approved in October of 2025, to schedule and attend an informational meeting to describe the project and the proposed sound-mitigation measures, prior to the commencement of construction. Further, the developer would be required to comply with all regulations applicable to data centers under Ordinance 4858, and all other applicable requirements of the Festus City Code.Sincerely, Mayor Sam Richards