Leavenworth County Commission lifts moratorium on data center by 3-2 vote
The Leavenworth County Commission voted 3-2 against extending a 90-day moratorium on data centers in unincorporated areas, effectively lifting it. This decision paves the way for a large data center project south of Tonganoxie. Commissioners Mike Stieben and Mike Smith, who will be leaving the board in January, favored the extension, but were outvoted.
The Leavenworth County Commission, in a 3-2 vote, chose not to extend a 90-day moratorium on data centers in the county's unincorporated areas. The decision, made on Wednesday, August 5, allows for the construction of a substantial data center project situated south of Tonganoxie.
Commissioners Mike Stieben and Mike Smith had advocated for extending the moratorium through January 31, citing the upcoming change in the commission's composition with three new members joining. However, Commissioners Vanessa Reid, Willie Dove, and Jeff Culbertson voted against the extension, letting the existing moratorium expire as scheduled.
Both Stieben and Smith are set to depart the board in January, having not sought re-election. Culbertson also did not seek re-election and will conclude his term in January.