Supervisors approve data center permit fee
The Adair County Board of Supervisors approved a $500 permit fee for future data center construction and will consider a data center resolution for further regulations. This follows a temporary moratorium on data centers enacted in March, prompted by concerns about electricity and water usage and potential impact on residents. The board is seeking to study the issue further and obtain a legal opinion.
The Adair County Board of Supervisors recently approved a $500 permit fee for companies seeking to construct data centers within the county. This decision was made on Wednesday, with the board also agreeing to consider a comprehensive data center resolution and schedule a public hearing for it during their next meeting.
This action comes after the board enacted a temporary moratorium on data center construction in March. Supervisor Jodie Hoadley was a key proponent of the moratorium, citing concerns regarding the substantial electricity and water demands of such facilities, as well as their potential impact on nearby residents. Hoadley emphasized the need for county officials to thoroughly study data centers and obtain legal opinions before allowing further development, aiming to implement reasonable regulations for their construction, operation, and decommissioning to protect citizens' rights and county infrastructure.
While Supervisor Hoadley highlighted the importance of proactive regulation, Board Chairman Jerry Walker expressed concerns in March that a moratorium could deter new businesses and hinder county growth. The proposed resolution specifically mentions high-density computing facilities and battery storage facilities alongside data centers as targets for temporary restriction until permanent ordinances can be established.