Morgan board updates wind, solar ordinances, continues data center talks

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners recently updated its ordinances for wind and solar power projects, a measure that passed with a 2-0 vote. This update was necessary to align county regulations with state laws governing such developments, according to Board Chair Michael Wankel, who noted a June 1 deadline for these changes.

Following the official meeting, Commissioners Wankel and Donny "Racer" Wood engaged in an extended discussion with local residents regarding potential regulations for future data center projects. These talks are a continuation of weeks-long deliberations, which led to the board enacting a six-month moratorium on data center developments on April 27. The purpose of this moratorium is to allow time for research and the creation of comprehensive standards for any prospective data center projects within the county.

Both Wankel and Wood confirmed that no company has yet approached Morgan County with a proposal for a data center. Wankel highlighted the county's current lack of zoning as a legal hurdle to outright declining hypothetical projects, emphasizing the need for robust regulations. He echoed residents' concerns about the potential strain on local infrastructure, including electrical and water resources, that large-scale developments could impose. Residents, including Jacksonville business owner Colleen Flinn, expressed a strong desire for transparency in these discussions and advocated for strict safeguards to manage the impact of any future data centers, even offering to assist the county in drafting new ordinances. The Journal-Courier is also reviewing whether the post-meeting discussion violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act.