DMC board hears public concerns about data centers at work session Tuesday
The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors held a work session to gather public input on a proposed ordinance for AI data center development. Residents raised concerns about electricity and water usage, property taxes, and the need for community protection. Aurum Venture Capital, proposing a data center, answered questions regarding its plans.
The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors recently convened an evening work session to solicit public feedback on a proposed ordinance to regulate AI data center development within the county. Approximately 45 attendees, including local residents, candidates for the Board of Supervisors, and a representative from a data center developer, offered comments ranging from specific ordinance inclusions to outright opposition to data centers.
Charlie White, a land agent for Aurum Venture Capital, the company planning a data center near Highway 34, provided details about their project, which would occupy two to three acres and increase the site's electrical usage to 15 megawatts. He claimed the project would utilize existing excess electrical capacity. However, Kenny Oleson, representing the Iowa Clean Energy District, challenged these claims, arguing that increased demand would necessitate further infrastructure expansion and advocating for a requirement that developers bring their own capacity.
Concerns were also raised by Bob Bartles, a Democratic candidate for the Board, who suggested the ordinance mandate closed-loop cooling systems, water purification at the developer's expense, and renewable energy offsets. Both Bartles and Oleson called for a community betterment fund paid upfront by developers. Republican candidate Brian Thie cautioned the board against rushing the ordinance, citing Linn County's moratorium experience, and highlighted the need to address data centers' property tax exemptions.
Other speakers urged feasibility studies for power, water, and noise impacts, with one suggesting contact with Enseva LLC for expert insights. An AI industry worker, Natalie Smith, advised caution due to the volatile nature of AI technology. Conversely, Ryan Drew of IUOE Local 150 spoke in favor of data centers, noting their potential to boost the county's property tax base, provided they are constructed properly. The work session marks an early stage in the county's process of developing the AI data center ordinance, assisted by the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission.