Shawnee County Commission candidates split on data center proposal
Candidates for the Shawnee County District 1 commission seat offered differing views on a proposed data center development and the county moratorium scheduled to expire in February 2027. They debated economic benefits, electricity costs, environmental and water impacts, public transparency, and whether stronger regulations should precede approval.
Shawnee County Commission candidates Jack Calcutt, Lance Royer and Aric Hermann outlined contrasting positions on data center development as they campaign for the District 1 seat, which covers western Topeka and western Shawnee County. The county’s data center moratorium is scheduled to end Feb. 17, 2027, shortly after the next commissioner takes office.
Calcutt supports allowing the moratorium to expire and relying on conditional-use permitting, citing potential tax benefits and existing Kansas Corporation Commission rules governing large electricity users. Royer said approval should wait until the county has completed its roadway, public consultation and protective regulations, while Hermann expressed skepticism about the economic benefits and said he would favor continued restrictions if adequate rules cannot be established. All three raised concerns about transparency, environmental effects, water resources, noise, energy prices and long-term responsibility for data center properties.