Quincy Mayor discusses data center development and zoning
Quincy Mayor Linda Moore discusses the city's proactive approach to data center development, weighing potential tax benefits against concerns about water and power consumption. The city is researching and developing zoning parameters to control where data centers might be located, aiming to benefit from tax revenue without undue community sacrifice.
Quincy Mayor Linda Moore recently discussed the city's considerations regarding data center and solar farm developments with Bob Gough from Muddy River News. Mayor Moore outlined the pros and cons of data centers, noting their significant water and power consumption and aesthetic drawbacks, alongside public concerns about data privacy and fire safety. However, she emphasized the substantial tax benefits, citing DeKalb, Illinois, which reportedly receives over $30 million annually in property taxes from a single data center, allowing them to build a new elementary school and significantly lower property tax rates.
While not actively recruiting data centers, Mayor Moore's administration is researching to establish clear parameters for potential future developments, primarily within Adams County but likely outside Quincy city limits, to ensure the community can reap property tax advantages if such facilities are built. This proactive approach aims to protect landowners and neighbors while managing the demands these developments place on the power grid and water supply.
The conversation also addressed solar energy, with Mayor Moore acknowledging the state's efforts to make it difficult for counties to reject solar projects. She confirmed that a home rule municipality like Quincy retains more control within its city limits and is exploring options for regulating solar farms through special permits. The city is also seeking expertise from an Iowa State University professor to better understand the benefits and challenges of solar installations, including potential agricultural uses and property tax implications.