Mills County officials to revisit data center discussion
Mills County officials are set to revisit discussions on the potential for data centers in the county, focusing on zoning ordinances and potential impacts. Supervisor Richard Crouch emphasized the need to review zoning and road infrastructure for heavy equipment, while Supervisor Jack Sayers expressed strong opposition due to public concerns about water, electricity, and noise usage.
Officials in Mills County, Iowa, are scheduled to hold a work session this Friday at 8:30 a.m. to discuss the potential for data centers within the county. The Board of Supervisors agreed to include planning and zoning representatives, as well as economic development personnel, in these discussions.
Supervisors Chair Richard Crouch highlighted the need to examine the county's planning and zoning ordinances, especially concerning potential impacts on roads from heavy equipment used in data center construction. He also noted the economic benefits, referencing "off-site taxes" that could supplement the county's budget.
Conversely, Supervisor Jack Sayers expressed strong opposition to allowing data centers in Mills County. He cited a lack of public support and concerns regarding water use, electricity consumption, and noise. Sayers emphasized that the county's current zoning ordinance does not permit data centers, which he believes offers the best protection for residents, and he is against both amending the ordinance to allow them and implementing a moratorium, as the latter could signal a future change.