Data center dispute and treasurer ballot error shadow Festus council turnover

Four new members, Karl Weekley, Allen McCarthy, Dan Moore, and Rick Belleville, were officially sworn into the Festus City Council, replacing four incumbents. All newly elected officials ran on platforms explicitly opposing the construction of a hyperscale data center in Festus and advocating for greater transparency. During the council meeting, residents voiced their opinions, with Mary Fakes expressing enthusiasm to collaborate with the new council to prevent the data center's construction. Conversely, Jefferson County resident Alexander Bischoff, who has previously supported the data center, urged the council to represent the interests of all residents in Festus, Jefferson County, and beyond. Separately, the election was shadowed by an error regarding the City Treasurer position; incumbent Lori Eisenbeis was omitted from the ballot despite her term expiring. City Attorney Brian Malone explained that City Clerk Leah Smith was responsible for notifying the Jefferson County Election Authority and that Smith had taken responsibility for the oversight. Opponents of the data center believe this ballot omission further strengthens their case for recalling other elected officials. While Eisenbeis will remain in office for now, the council tabled her official appointment, and a special election will be held next April for the treasurer position.