Citizens Have to Pony Up to Learn about Skybox

The City of San Angelo discussed Skybox Data Centers in closed/executive session today.  Mayor Pro Tem Tommy Hiebert stated "there are no announcements coming out of executive session."  

Public comment at the beginning of the meeting included several citizens who encouraged the city to fulfill its public information obligation and provide documents relative to the project that the city is not asking be exempt from public disclosure, a process involving the Texas Attorney General's office.  

I submitted a Public Information Request on Skybox on December 8, 2025.  As of today, the city has provided no documents other than the Attorney General letter requesting exemption.  

Citizens have been told that Skybox officials will make a presentation on the project.  It will occur within a Chamber of Commerce event on February 17th.  Ticket prices are $49 for Chamber members, $59 for non-members and $500 for a table of eight.  

City leaders have shared what Skybox has allowed them to share.  It is strange to hear Mayor Tom Thompson refer to numbers he has heard as being out in the public.  Apparently, he cannot stray and reveal numbers that are not yet out there in response to citizen questions and concerns.  

The City added a presentation from Skybox to its Data Center webpage.  One slide shows:

The company's attempt to debunk data center secrecy may need to involve more than a Chamber of Commerce event requiring payment to hear the presentation.  

City leaders should make it clear the information citizens deserve on this project and present such information themselves.  That has not yet happened.  

City Council will meet on February 17th but not at its usual time of 8:30 am.  The meeting will begin at 5:30 pm,  Look for Skybox to be on the agenda since their leadership will be in town.

In our non-disclosure agreement (NDA) world it's the business' right to share whatever information they desire with the public.  Government officials give up that obligation as part of the economic development recruiting courtship where giant incentives are often offered.