Morgan County approves 6-month moratorium on data centers

Morgan County commissioners have enacted a six-month moratorium on data center development, following a public meeting that saw strong community support for a review period. Board Chairman Michael Wankel stated the pause would allow the county to develop necessary standards and requirements for future data center applications. Commissioner Michael Woods, who initially sought a 12-month moratorium, agreed to the shortened six-month period after advice from Morgan County State's Attorney Gray Noll, emphasizing the need for an unbiased third-party study. Community members, including Jacksonville business owner Colleen Flinn, presented a petition with over 360 signatures, advocating for thorough research and guidelines rather than outright opposition to data centers. Residents raised concerns about local control, strain on resources, prime farmland use, and costs. The county board aims to have regulations in place to protect residents and ensure accountability, with Chairman Wankel noting no data center applications have yet been received.