Osceola supervisors hear more on data centers, jail updates
Osceola County supervisors discussed amending the county's zoning code to include definitions for data centers, though no projects are currently proposed. The Osceola Electric Cooperative provided information on potential electricity usage in the county. The supervisors approved the zoning ordinance amendment to include data center definitions.
The Osceola County Board of Supervisors in Sibley, Iowa, held a meeting to discuss amending the county's zoning code to include definitions for data centers. County engineer Keith Brann informed the board that while large data centers might not fit existing industrial zones, smaller facilities could be accommodated. This discussion was prompted by regional data center development trends and a sense of urgency to update local codes.
Jeff Ten Napel, general manager of Osceola Electric Cooperative, clarified the county's current electricity capacity, stating it is 6.25 megawatts. He emphasized that the cooperative would only support data center projects if they financially benefit existing members, prioritizing current customers. Ten Napel acknowledged negative perceptions but affirmed a willingness to participate if done correctly.
The supervisors subsequently approved waiving further considerations for the zoning ordinance, allowing immediate inclusion of definitions for data centers, described as facilities powering cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. The meeting also included routine updates on the ongoing jail construction project.