Ellsworth Village Board Enacts Temporary Data Center Moratorium
The Ellsworth Village Board has approved a temporary prohibition on data centers within the village while it updates its zoning ordinance. The existing ordinance does not currently classify data centers as a permitted use. This decision was made during a meeting that also recognized an Ellsworth police officer for lifesaving efforts and reviewed local financial reports.
The Ellsworth Village Board has enacted a temporary prohibition on the establishment of data centers within the village. The measure was approved after being forwarded by the Plan Commission last month, aiming to allow the village to update its existing zoning ordinance. According to Village Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Brad Roy, the current ordinance, adopted long ago, does not identify data centers as a permitted, conditional, or accessory use in any zoning district, meaning they are not currently permitted. The interim ordinance will give the village a couple of years to review and make necessary changes for future data center considerations.
The decision was part of a broader village board meeting that also saw recognition for Ellsworth Police Officer Madeline Cody, who saved a resident's life by performing CPR. Police Chief Eric Ladwig and Village President Becky Beissel commended Cody's immediate response and professionalism. Additionally, the board reviewed the village's 2025 audit results, which highlighted significant public works project expenses, causing the unassigned fund balance to fall below the 25% policy target, though auditors noted a positive trajectory for future financial improvements.