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Clinton County reviews draft data center ordinance amid economic development, environmental concerns
Summary
Supervisors discussed possible amendments to the county's Data Center Ordinance (4.2.21), emphasizing the desire to preserve review authority while avoiding language that could deter investment; Grow Clinton urged consideration of data centers to expand the tax base.
The Clinton County Board of Supervisors on April 27 reviewed possible amendments to the county’s Data Center Ordinance (4.2.21), with members emphasizing that the goal is to retain review authority without discouraging development.
Board members said current ordinance language may be perceived as overly restrictive and could deter potential investment. The discussion noted the county’s interest in economic development to diversify the tax base and offset rising service and infrastructure costs.
Public comment came from Andy Sokolovich of Grow Clinton, who urged the board to consider data center development as an economic opportunity that could increase the county’s tax base and support long-term growth. Meeting comments indicated utility providers reported they have the capacity to serve such projects and that expected infrastructure costs would be borne by developers rather than by existing residential users. Attendees also raised concerns about environmental impacts and regulatory oversight, and whether data centers are being singled out relative to other industrial developments.
The board did not adopt ordinance language at this meeting; the discussion focused on clarifying legislative intent and next steps for staff review.
The county may return to the item for further review; no formal motion to amend the ordinance was recorded on April 27.
