Residents press Monticello leaders as data center debate turns to trust

Residents of Monticello, Minnesota packed a City Council meeting to voice concerns over potential data center development in the city. Former council member Sam Murdoff and other residents argued that the city is moving too quickly on drafting a proposed data center zoning ordinance without adequately addressing their concerns about issues like electricity demand, water use, and the long-term impact on the community. Murdoff and others advocated for a temporary moratorium on data center development, similar to how the city handled the legalization of recreational cannabis. Resident Bethany Olivares questioned how city leaders are weighing public opinion and what potential benefits a data center project could bring to the community beyond economic development. City Administrator Rachel Leonard acknowledged the tension surrounding the issue and said maintaining trust between residents and city leaders has been a key challenge. Leonard emphasized that the city is drafting the ordinance proactively, not at the request of a specific developer, and that no formal data center project application has been submitted yet. The council is expected to continue discussing the proposed ordinance in upcoming meetings and workshops as they incorporate feedback from both residents and council members.