Area Plan staff asked the Grant County Area Plan Commission to consider whether the county should prepare a data-center ordinance after receiving inquiries that companies are considering locations in the county.

Todd Glancy, staff member, said he had been contacted by community members who "believe they have reason to believe that Grant County is being considered for a data center" and urged the commission to get ahead of potential development. "One of those things that I see coming is, data center. Should we have a data center ordinance?" he asked.

Commission members responded that staff should be proactive and gather examples. Several commissioners suggested reviewing ordinances already in use elsewhere before drafting local regulation. Commissioners also asked practical questions about likely data-center needs; Glancy replied that large facilities typically require significant power and water and that the county should consider zoning locations and utility infrastructure when drafting standards.

During public comment, Ed Hartman of Fairmount said a data center already operates in Grant County—identified by meeting participants as a Bitcoin mining facility near Highway 69 north of Gas City—and warned about water use and cooling choices. "Water is the one that I think we ought to be most concerned about…they'll be pulling our drinking water from wells. Then what's…done with the water afterwards?" Hartman said, noting existing installations of modular, air-cooled units and asking whether new facilities would use air cooling, refrigerated systems or water cooling.

Commissioners asked staff to collect sample data-center ordinances and return with an outline or draft language for review; they said staff should consult examples rather than begin drafting in isolation. No formal action was taken; commissioners directed staff to research and report back.