PACIFIC, MO — The Meramec Valley R-III School District, Pacific Fire Protection District, and Meramec Ambulance District have issued the following joint statement:
“The Meramec Valley R-III School District, the Pacific Fire Protection District, and the Meramec Ambulance District are aware of recent reports suggesting that our entities signed non-disclosure agreements related to a meeting with a company considering a potential data center project in the community. We want to clarify the circumstances and address any confusion.
About a month ago, representatives from the City of Pacific contacted us to ask if we would attend an informational meeting to learn more about a potential business project in the city. At that time, the company scheduled to give the presentation requested that attendees sign a standard non-disclosure agreement because it intended to share proprietary business information.
Before the meeting took place, the City of Pacific changed the format to a public meeting, which was held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. All parties attended that public meeting earlier this week. No other public or private meetings have occurred involving the Meramec Valley R-III School District, the Pacific Fire Protection District, the Meramec Ambulance District, and Beltline Energy.
As public entities, we do not have a vote or position on whether this project moves forward. Those decisions rest exclusively with the City of Pacific and the Franklin County Commission. However, we believe it is important to stay informed and to make sure that health and safety concerns are addressed. We are committed to continuing to stay informed as the process moves forward.
The City of Pacific has another public meeting planned in February and has requested that it be held in the Pacific High School auditorium. The school district has agreed to this request solely as an effort to provide adequate space for community members to attend and have their voices heard. We look forward to learning more as additional information becomes available.”