The Jackson County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to extend a moratorium on data‑mining operations in the county, giving zoning staff additional time to draft a permanent ordinance.

Becca, a zoning staff member, told the board that the county planned to draft the data‑mining ordinance alongside a comprehensive zoning update but that the combined workload proved too large. “Once [the comprehensive update] is finished, the commission will be able to devote full attention to drafting the data mining ordinance,” Becca said. The updated zoning ordinance public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20, and staff said they could not fully start the data‑mining ordinance until after that step.

Supervisors discussed the duration of the moratorium. One supervisor said six‑month extensions can appear to neighboring counties as lack of progress; the board instead amended the moratorium to extend through Aug. 31, 2026. The amending motion passed; the board noted the moratorium could be lifted sooner if the ordinance is ready.

Members of the public raised safety and setback concerns. Rhonda Rowan, who identified herself as representing Spread of Iowa, requested that the zoning commission consider setbacks from the nearest dwelling and fire suppression when drafting the ordinance. Charlie White, representing Aurum Capital Ventures, provided technical material to zoning staff about quieter cooling technologies and asked that setback measures consider decibel‑based rules for newer equipment.

The resolution approving the moratorium as amended passed by voice vote with supervisors saying “aye.” Zoning staff said they would continue research and bring draft language to the zoning commission once the comprehensive update is complete.