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Franklin County tables reappointment of William C. McLaren Jr. after resident raises annexation and data‑center concerns
Summary
A resident urged the commission to delay reappointing William C. McLaren Jr. to the Planning and Zoning Commission, citing an active annexation application and alleged financial interest in data centers; the commission voted to table the reappointment pending review.
Kathy Bolin, a resident of 2335 Delosha Estates in Villa Ridge, urged the Franklin County Commission to delay reappointing William C. McLaren Jr. to the county Planning and Zoning Commission, raising questions about his residency status and alleged financial ties to data‑center development.
Bolin told the commission she could not find a rule in the county’s unified land‑use regulations that would disqualify McLaren if an active annexation application transfers his property into the City of Pacific. "If this is approved and he is then a resident of the City of Pacific, does this quit disqualify him from representing the township in which he would be reappointed?" she asked.
She added that Mr. McLaren has an active annexation application she believes is intended to facilitate selling the property, and said she was concerned that "he has a financial interest in data centers being allowed in Franklin County," arguing that such a financial stake could bias his decisions on zoning matters.
A commissioner moved to table commission order 2026‑50 — the reappointment of William C. McLaren Jr. — "for further reference to council, conference with council" to clarify residency and conflict‑of‑interest questions. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote; the commission stated the item will be investigated and returned with more information.
Commissioners noted limits on participation if McLaren remained on the planning and zoning body: "If McLaren did stay on the planning zoning committee or board, he couldn't vote on . . . one of the data centers that are in question here," an unidentified commissioner said, adding that he would have to recuse himself from those matters.
A county official present also reminded the commission that, under statute, an incumbent continues to serve until a replacement is appointed, meaning Mr. McLaren would remain on the commission unless and until the county appoints a successor.
Next steps: The commission tabled the reappointment to allow staff and legal counsel to confirm whether the pending annexation changes McLaren’s eligibility and to clarify any required disclosures or recusals. No formal replacement was appointed at the meeting.
