Board approves rezoning for Osage Municipal Utilities substation

The Mitchell County Board of Supervisors voted March 17 to rezone parcel 10‑14‑400‑010 from Agriculture District to Light Industrial District to allow construction of a substation by Osage Municipal Utilities. The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended the change following a Feb. 18 public hearing that closed after brief public questions and a short Q&A with municipal utility representatives.

The rezoning recommendation from the Mitchell County Planning and Zoning Commission was read into the record; the commission’s action was recorded as '5 ayes, 0 nays.' The board opened its public hearing, heard no substantive opposition, and approved the rezoning by roll call. A county staff member said the change will be made to the official zoning map once the decision is published.

Why it matters: The parcel’s rezoning enables the utility to site a substation intended to serve area electricity needs. Board members raised one procedural question about why initial site work occurred before rezoning was finalized; the utility representative said only preparatory dirt work had been done and that final construction awaits approvals and mapping updates.

Planning background: County staff confirmed the county’s planning commission held its public hearing on Feb. 18 and voted unanimously to recommend approval. The board noted the commission’s record and the lack of substantive public opposition during the county hearing.

What’s next: The zoning map will be updated to reflect the change after the county’s publication requirements are met. There were no amendments to the rezoning motion reported.