Town of Turtle board rejects data center cost reimbursement agreement, starts moratorium process

The Town of Turtle board in Wisconsin unanimously rejected a revised cost-reimbursement agreement with Panattoni Development concerning a proposed hyperscale data center. Town Chair Roger Anclam cited unfavorable revisions, including a developer-favored termination clause and altered entity for reimbursement, as reasons for the rejection. The initial agreement, passed 3-2 three weeks prior, would have required the developer to cover professional services and study costs; now, the town will bear these expenses.

In a separate action, the board also unanimously approved a resolution to initiate a 12-month moratorium on data center development. This decision was met with a "small sigh of relief" by Shelley Strommen, co-lead for Rock County Neighbors for Responsible Development, and supported by residents like Lauren Walsh, who expressed willingness for higher taxes to maintain the township's character. The moratorium process requires a 30-day public notice and hearing before the final ordinance can be passed. Anclam emphasized that this is an ongoing effort to ensure due diligence in future development.