Wright County officials consider data center issues
Wright County Supervisors are discussing data center development after a public meeting with opposing and supporting residents. Key topics include a potential moratorium, tax revenue, job creation, and zoning implications for farmland. Officials also touched on electricity sourcing and water usage.
Wright County Supervisors have engaged in extensive discussions regarding data center development following a crowded board meeting in Clarion, where residents voiced both opposition and support. Supervisor Dean Kluss expressed his opposition to a moratorium on data center expansion, emphasizing the county's need for continued funding and infrastructure given state property tax restrictions. He indicated an openness to developing ordinances and exploring development agreements.
Fellow Supervisor Betty Ellis focused on the tax revenue potential, noting that while the machinery and equipment within data centers might not generate significant taxes, the building's shell does. Supervisor Ashley Bosch raised concerns about job creation, stating that data centers do not typically bring a large number of employees. Jeremy Abbas, Wright County Planning and Zoning Commissioner, highlighted the need to consider rezoning prime farmland and the proximity of wind turbines for electricity, while also noting that many new ordinances mandate closed-loop water systems and developers drilling their own wells for emergency services. Wright County Economic Development Director Aaron Budweg encouraged the county to embrace updated data center technology, pointing out their long history.