Garrettsville Council Proposes Data Center Moratorium, Approves Water Rate Hike
The Garrettsville Village Council proposed a 12-month moratorium on accepting zoning applications for data centers to review their potential impacts on energy, water, land use, and environmental concerns. A public hearing for the ordinance's second reading has been scheduled. The council also approved a water rate increase and renewed the village's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.
The Garrettsville Village Council held its June 10 meeting, during which it advanced several key measures, including a proposed 12-month moratorium on data center development. Council member Hardesty moved to schedule a public hearing for the ordinance's second reading. This proposed moratorium aims to temporarily prevent the village from processing new applications for data centers, allowing council members time to evaluate potential impacts on energy and water consumption, land use, building appearance, lighting, noise, and environmental factors.
In other business, the council approved an ordinance to increase annual water rate adjustments from 2% to 5% starting January 1, 2027, for four years, following a review by Arcadis U.S. that deemed existing increases insufficient. The council also renewed the village's downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) and adopted the Portage County 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Additionally, discussions included the village's 2027 budget, water main replacement projects, and options for the village hall roof. Mayor Rick Patrick and Council member Sheri Johnson, among others, were present at the meeting.