Commissioners adopt anti-data center resolution
The Athens County Board of Commissioners adopted a non-binding resolution declaring the county cannot support data center development, citing economic and environmental concerns. This follows recent one-year moratoriums enacted by Athens Township and Athens City Council, and a ban by the Village of Albany. Commissioners expressed reservations about tax abatements and the potential for an 'AI data center bubble'.
The Athens County Board of Commissioners in Ohio recently passed a non-binding resolution against data center development, stating the county cannot support the necessary resources for such facilities. This move reflects growing local sentiment and follows more definitive actions by other municipal entities within the county.
Prior to the commissioners' resolution, Athens Township trustees and Athens City Council had each enacted one-year moratoriums on data center development. Additionally, the Village of Albany has implemented a ban on data centers, effective in 2025. Commissioner Chris Chmiel voiced economic concerns, referring to data centers as a "potential financial bubble," while Commissioner Lenny Eliason echoed this, calling them "the new Silicon Valley bubble.
Commissioner Charlie Adkins specifically criticized the state's practice of granting significant property tax abatements to data center companies, which he argued diverts local funds. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine had previously announced a pause on future data center tax exemptions, prompted by a report indicating a $1.6 billion loss in revenue for Ohio in 2025 due due to these breaks.
Environmental activist Roxanne Groff, who drafted the resolution, praised the commissioners for taking a clear stance against data centers, asserting that they understood the "extraordinary burden" these facilities place on communities and resources.