Woodbury County supervisors poised to approve data center moratorium amid Salix annexation dispute
Woodbury County supervisors are set to vote on a 12-month moratorium for new data centers in unincorporated areas, stemming from an annexation dispute with the City of Salix. The dispute centers on the transparency of Salix's 900-acre annexation, which could potentially house a data center. All five supervisors reportedly support the temporary ban, indicating it is likely to pass.
The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors in Iowa is preparing to vote on a 12-month moratorium on new data center developments within the county's unincorporated areas. This move stems from an ongoing dispute with the City of Salix over the transparency of a recent 900-acre annexation, which county officials believe could be designated for a data center.
Woodbury County Supervisor Matthew Ung publicly questioned the City of Salix's adherence to proper consultation procedures during the annexation process, citing the Iowa Code. Salix Mayor Kevin Nelson, however, countered that the specific code section referenced by Ung does not apply to Salix, classifying it as a "non-urban city" more than two miles from the next incorporated area. Nelson asserted that the annexation followed a different, specific voluntary pathway that does not require consultation and provided documentation showing the Assistant Woodbury County Attorney received certified mail about the annexation in March, before its approval in May.
Despite the mayor's reassurances, Ung maintains that the city has not been forthcoming and that local residents are seeking answers from the county board. He emphasized that best practices, like those followed by Sioux City for similar annexations, were not observed by Salix. Ung anticipates the moratorium will pass, as all five supervisors have expressed support for the temporary ban on data centers.