Alton Committee of the Whole: Data Center Concerns, Tax Levy and Pebble Creek Bridge Funding

Alton residents raised concerns during public comment about a proposed data center at the former steel mill site, citing questions about environmental impacts, noise, electricity demand and the lack of long-term studies. Speakers urged officials to take more time and called for independent review. Council members discussed postponing a related item until the first meeting in December; the discussion does not establish that the data center was approved.

The Committee of the Whole also considered city business, including the 2026 property tax levy, a tax abatement for bond debt service, and funding and structural improvements for the Pebble Creek Drive bridge. The levy ordinance passed 4–3, the bond tax abatement passed unanimously, and bridge-related measures passed unanimously. Members also postponed a professional services agreement and voted unanimously against starting demolition proceedings at 133 State Street. The police chief said Alton’s cameras are not Flock cameras and that most of the city’s existing cameras were funded through grants.