Several conditional use permits approved, tech building moratorium placed, road bids make progress at Custer County supervisors meeting

The Custer County Board of Supervisors held a regular session in Broken Bow, Nebraska, where they approved a six-month moratorium on "technology related facilities," which include data centers, crypto mining, blockchain operations, and battery energy storage systems. Proposed by Darci Tibbs for the planning commission, the moratorium (75Z-26) will be in effect until September 30. This period is intended to give the county time to research and establish regulations to address potential issues such as high electricity and water usage, and noise generation, with a focus on public health and safety and consideration of adjacent properties. In other county business, the board approved several conditional use permits for local projects, including a Cowboy Church arena, a new Maline Seed and Fence store, and the re-opening of a gravel pit by Klotz Sand and Asphalt Paving. Custer County Assessor Elise Taylor expressed challenges in accessing properties for assessments and suggested partnering with Central Plains Valuation, with the board requesting a contract be drafted. Additionally, new regulations for poultry facilities were adopted after their moratorium period concluded, and several road department projects progressed with bids accepted for asphalt materials and armor coating. Right-of-way crossing applications for Red Fern Electric and Custer Public Power District were also approved.