Fiscal Court holds first reading of data center moratorium

Daviess Fiscal Court conducted the first reading of a 12-month moratorium ordinance on I.T. infrastructure facilities, including data centers, during its meeting at the Daviess County Courthouse. Daviess County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen stated that the move had been considered even before the City of Owensboro expressed receptiveness to data centers, citing discussions at the Kentucky Judge-Executive Association Conference. Commissioner Chris Castlen initiated the idea for a moratorium to allow the county to gather information and establish regulations before data centers arrive. Commissioner Janie Marksberry voiced her opposition to data centers in the county, emphasizing the need to get ahead of rapid changes. The ordinance aims to provide time to review and update the Owensboro Metropolitan Zoning Ordinances for sustainable growth and community welfare. While the moratorium would apply to Daviess County, it would not prevent the City of Owensboro from pursuing data center development. Commissioner Larry Conder supported the moratorium for educational purposes, noting significant infrastructure challenges for potential data center sites. He mentioned the Massie property's rezoning request was denied by the Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission and suggested the former Owensboro Municipal Utilities' Elmer Smith Station as a more suitable, though environmentally challenged, location due to existing infrastructure. Conder also highlighted the regional nature of power supply through the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), emphasizing that data center power demands would affect the broader region, not just Daviess County.