Putnam County commissioners reject six‑month data‑center moratorium, direct staff to draft regulations

At its Nov. 7 meeting the Putnam County Board of Commissioners voted against imposing a countywide six‑month moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage systems, then approved a separate motion directing county staff to draft a regulatory ordinance.

Commissioner Steve Hersey moved for a countywide moratorium of up to six months on data centers and battery storage facilities, arguing the county needs time to examine appropriate regulations. Only Commissioner Hersey voted in favor of that motion; Commissioners Tom McElhenney, Richard Garrett and Jeff Wooten voted against it and the motion failed.

Following that vote, the board approved a motion, carried by Commissioners McElhenney, Garrett and Wooten with Commissioner Hersey opposed, instructing staff to draft an ordinance that would regulate data center and battery storage siting, noise insulation, size and related standards. The motion directs staff to seek public input and return with a proposed ordinance for commissioner consideration within three months of the Nov. 7 meeting.

County Attorney Adam Nelson provided the board with definitions of “data centers” and “battery energy storage systems” during the discussion. Ms. Jennifer Ray spoke from the public in favor of a moratorium; Mr. Bill Vargo and Ms. Barb Vargo spoke against a moratorium during the public comment period.

The board also asked the Middle Georgia Regional Commission to analyze data‑center issues and to present factual findings to inform any future ordinance. Next steps are staff‑led drafting, a public input process as directed, and a future commissioner vote on any proposed regulations.