As Ida County mulls data center moratorium, Salix aims to set next city meeting on plans
A Salix, Iowa city council meeting to vote on a possible data center moratorium was postponed due to death threats. Mayor Kevin Nelson stated the meeting is likely to be rescheduled for August 19th or 20th, as controversy continues over Google's proposed data center in the town. Other Northwest Iowa counties, including Ida, Woodbury, Plymouth, and Sioux, have also been debating or enacting data center moratoriums.
Salix, Iowa city officials are working to reschedule a city council meeting to vote on a possible data center moratorium after the planned Wednesday meeting was postponed due to "death threats and terroristic threats." Mayor Kevin Nelson expressed concern over the threats, which have been reported to the Woodbury County Sheriff's Office, and indicated the meeting might be held on August 19th or 20th.
The proposed data center, which Google is in the early stages of evaluating for a Salix site, has been a contentious issue in the town of 300 residents. During a July council meeting, over 20 of 100 attendees voiced opinions, with some citing potential harm to their way of life and others highlighting economic benefits. At that meeting, the council voted 3-2 to support the concept of a one-year moratorium, but a second vote is required for its full enactment.
Salix is not alone in its consideration of such measures; several other Northwest Iowa counties, including Ida, Woodbury, Plymouth, and Sioux, have recently debated or implemented data center moratoriums.