Fiber OK if not
for AI, data center
Staff writer
Marion County commission unanimously voted Monday to approve a fiber-optic substation southwest of Goessel with explicit restriction that the property cannot become a data center, artificial-intelligence computing facility, or cryptocurrency mine.
Property owners Matthew and Laura Voth sought a conditional-use permit to allow Lumen to develop the fiber-optic facility.
Development is limited to the site, and a road-maintenance agreement is required before a building permit can be issued.
Commissioners also approved a second residence at 651 US-56. The 720-square-foot house qualifies as a non-traditional residence and has adequate water service.
Planning and zoning director Sharon Omstead said aerial-imagery software used in the past 30 days by the appraiser’s office identified about 20 structures that apparently were built without permits.
She said her department worked with owners to bring structures into compliance but was struggling to keep up with the influx. Most found so far were agricultural buildings, which require permits but are exempt from permit fees.
Commissioners also discussed moving the county Department on Aging from Marion Senior Center to the Health Department.
The county pays $400 a month for two offices at the senior center, plus separate telephone and internet costs, county administrator Tina Spencer said.
Moving would cut those expenses, increase visibility, and allow department employees to assist each other.
Department on Aging director Lu Turk supported considering the move. Her office can be isolated in the afternoons, and residents sometimes mistake her for being responsible for the senior center, Turk said.
No action was taken. Commissioners also unanimously adopted a 2027 budget authorizing up to $33.1 million in spending and collecting $13.2 million in property taxes, with an estimated 67.282-mill tax rate. No one spoke during the public hearing.