Rescheduled County Board meeting covers routine business, hears data center concerns
The Christian County Board held a rescheduled meeting where 150-200 residents voiced concerns about a proposed data center project, focusing on water supply, power usage, and transparency. The county currently has a temporary moratorium on data center construction while it conducts further research and zoning review. An information fair is scheduled for June 2, 2026, where residents can meet the project developer, Eagle Rock Partners.
The Christian County Board met at the Pillars Event Center in Taylorville to accommodate a large crowd of 150-200 residents concerned about a proposed data center project. Board Chairman Bryan Sharp addressed the gathering, noting that Christian County has a temporary restriction, or moratorium, in place on data center construction. This moratorium, enacted via Resolution RF-025C-010 on August 19, 2025, aims to allow the county to research and review the data center's potential impacts on water supply, energy use, and other areas.
Sharp stated that no data center permits will be issued until the Christian County Board adopts new ordinances or regulations regarding safe operation. Residents, including Jessica Donovan, Sam Lacy, Village of Palmer Mayor Matt McKinney, and Debbie Daniels, shared concerns during public comment. Their worries spanned environmental impacts, potential well depletion, power grid strain, lack of transparency, and threats to local livelihoods and natural resources.
In related news, the Christian County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) announced a Project Information Fair on June 2, 2026, at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Taylorville. This event will allow residents to meet with the project developer, Eagle Rock Partners, and ask questions about the proposed data center. Attendees must register in advance due to limited space.