County extends data center moratorium

By JUDD WEIL

Staff writer

County commissioners on Monday extended a moratorium on data center development for another year while reopening questions about whether past wind-energy regulations were adopted through proper public process.

After hearing a planning commission recommendation to delay action until after the county updates its comprehesive plan, commissions unanimously approved extending a moratorium on applications related to data centers in unincorporated areas through June 1, 2027.

Planning commission chairman Josh Weiser told commissioners the county still was trying to determine whether restrictions should be based on power draw, cooling systems, size, location, or appearance.

“The writing on the wall says it’s coming,” commissioner Jonah Gehring said.

Weiser warned that counties could lose control if federal regulators act first.

“They’re already talking. I’ve seen some congressmen in D.C. proposing that if these guys are going to build their data centers, they’ve got to bring their own power,” Weiser said. “Well, what does that mean? Are they going to bring a nuclear reactor that we have no control over, a mini nuclear reactor?”

Regulating facilities by electrical demand instead of building size could be significant, Weiser said, because technology could dramatically increase computing capacity inside relatively small structures.

Discussion later shifted to wind energy when commissioner Clarke Dirks questioned whether amendments connected to a 2019 wind energy resolution were subjected to legally required hearings.

Planning director Sharon Omstead said she would research the issue.

Resident Arlene Stika addressed commissioners about homelessness in the county, complaining about what she described as a homeless encampment near French Creek Cove at Marion Reservoir.

“If word got out how our food bank provides food twice a month for people, hey, there’s an invitation right there,” Stika said.

In other business, commissioners appointed Evan Yoder to an at-large seat on the planning commission in Mike Beneke cast the dissenting vote.

Commissioners also approved spending $3,732 to replace a damaged section of a dock at Marion County Lake after a boat collided with it.