Franklin County adopts moratorium on new data center permits; board approves several resolutions
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Summary
The Franklin County Board of Supervisors on March 31 adopted Ordinance 2026A, imposing a temporary moratorium on new permit applications for data center projects in unincorporated areas, and approved multiple resolutions including assignment of a county-held tax certificate and the county's summer noxious-weed control order.
The Franklin County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted Ordinance 2026A, a temporary moratorium on new permit applications for the development of data center projects within the county's unincorporated areas.
Supervisor McVicker moved to open a public hearing on the proposed ordinance at 9:15 a.m.; Chairman Chris Vanness closed the hearing at 9:22 a.m. after no members of the public spoke. The board waived the first and second readings, approved the third reading, and adopted the ordinance by unanimous vote (Ayes: Lukensmeyer, McVicker, Vanness; Nays: None).
Why it matters: the moratorium pauses new permit applications for data center development in unincorporated Franklin County while county officials evaluate potential impacts and planning needs. The measure affects prospective developers seeking county permits and gives the board time to consider changes to land-use rules or permit criteria.
The supervisors also completed a series of routine and substantive actions during the meeting. They approved a resolution assigning a county-held tax certificate (Resolution #2026-28) for parcel 000132242900400 to Gina Bradley for $44.00; the resolution cites the 2023 Iowa Code and passed on a roll-call vote (Ayes: Lukensmeyer, McVicker, Vanness). The board approved claims as presented and set the FY2027 budget public hearing for April 14 at 10:00 a.m. in the Supervisor Meeting Room.
The board adopted an amendment to the Franklin County General Policies & Procedures Manual updating Section 1.4 (Elections Security Policy). The amendment adjusts who has access to the secure elections room, the model of iPads used for electronic pollbooks, and the number of USB/TM drives. That resolution passed on a roll-call vote with all supervisors voting aye.
On a separate resolution (2026-27), the board ordered noxious-weed control for summer 2026 under Chapter 317, Code of Iowa. The resolution lists species and timing requirements (including a general deadline of June 15 for many listed species) and explicitly states Palmer Amaranth must be eradicated at all times. The resolution passed by unanimous vote.
The board also approved a memorandum of understanding with CICS concerning the employment of Kaitlyn Hoeft, with the motion recorded as passing unanimously. During committee updates, Bri Erskine of Alliant Energy provided brief updates to the supervisors. Secondary Roads Engineer Jay Waddingham presented an update for the county’s Secondary Roads Department. Public commenter Larry Sailer asked about cargo boxes at Bradford Corner and was advised to contact Dan Tilkes, the Planning & Zoning Administrator.
The meeting recessed at 10:00 a.m. for a drainage meeting and reconvened at 10:05 a.m. Auditor Katy A. Flint reminded the board of a special session scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on April 7. Chairman Chris Vanness adjourned the regular session at 10:23 a.m.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2026A (data center moratorium) — adopted, unanimous; Resolution #2026-28 (assignment of county-held tax certificate) — adopted, unanimous; Resolution amending Elections Security Policy — adopted, unanimous; Resolution 2026-27 (Noxious Weed Control, Summer 2026) — adopted, unanimous; MOU with CICS for employment of Kaitlyn Hoeft — approved, unanimous. The board set the FY2027 budget public hearing for April 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.