Hamilton County Commission discusses one-year moratorium on unincorporated-area data centers

Hamilton County Commission members spent a substantial portion of the meeting discussing Resolution 726-23, a proposed moratorium on new data centers in the county's unincorporated areas intended to create a one-year study period for planning staff and local utility providers.

County Mayor Dr. Highlander introduced the measure as a cautious, proactive step to give the county and stakeholders time to study evolving technologies and siting impacts: "I would say something we all seem to agree on is we'd rather address this proactively rather than reactively as many communities are doing right now," he said. He said the one-year period would allow planning staff to work with local utilities and water districts to better understand rapidly changing technologies and to develop a more specific code if needed.

Commissioner Graham said he had received constituent concerns and voiced strong support for the resolution, saying, "I will support it 1,000%." Commissioner Shipley acknowledged constituent wariness and urged caution about moving too quickly: "People are a little bit leery of this ... we don't know enough about our own self to make a wise decision," he said. Commissioner Mackey said personal concerns from family members motivated him to be involved in the review process.

Several commissioners asked about the moratorium's duration. The mayor and counsel noted a one-year period would likely provide adequate time for study and stakeholder convening while avoiding legal risks that might arise from an indefinite ban; commissioners noted the board could extend the moratorium before it expired if more time were needed. The mayor listed utility and water agencies as stakeholders the county would engage in the review but did not detail specific programs or funding sources.

Commissioner Sharp also raised a procedural concern about late receipt of the meeting agenda and referenced the 48-hour statutory notice; the record shows the agenda distribution was discussed and an updated copy had been provided before the meeting. No formal vote on Resolution 726-23 is recorded in the transcript excerpt.

The discussion closed with commissioners indicating support for a measured, stakeholder-driven study; the transcript does not show a final vote or ordinance adoption during the excerpt provided. The commission indicated it would continue consideration of the resolution and related code work in future meetings.