Residents of a rural Hood County community say local officials are blocking their effort to vote on incorporating their town in order to gain more control over a nearby Bitcoin-mining facility.
At a meeting last week, County Judge Ron Massingill said he rejected a petition signed by several dozen residents of unincorporated Mitchell Bend, arguing it did not meet the required threshold of 50 registered voters. Residents submitted the petition in hopes of putting incorporation on the ballot, which they say would allow them to pass protections against the facility.
The Bitcoin operation, run by Florida-based Marathon Digital Holdings, set up near Mitchell Bend outside Granbury about three years ago. Neighbors have since complained about noise pollution and health concerns linked to the site.
Despite the setback, residents said they have already filed a second petition in hopes of forcing a future vote.
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