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Residents urge moratorium on data centers and object to new utility poles; commissioners say existing moratorium on alternative energy set to expire
Summary
Farmers and residents pressed commissioners about new electric poles, construction damage and pressure from prospective developments; multiple speakers asked the county to place a moratorium on data centers on the next agenda while commissioners noted an existing moratorium on alternative‑energy projects is set to expire Dec. 31 and that ordinance revisions may be needed.
Multiple residents appealed to Decatur County commissioners July 6 to address utility construction impacts and to consider a pause on certain large developments, including data centers.
Butch Wilson, speaking during public comment, described new electric poles placed close to property lines and said crews had put poles "every 40 feet and right on the property line," complicating farm machinery movement and drainage near his land. He urged the county to examine whether the utility work followed appropriate easements and to assess potential damage to tiles and ditches. "When you have that depression, there's something there," he said of a roadway crease he attributed to construction activity.
Chad Crowder asked the board to place a moratorium on data centers on the next meeting agenda, saying town infrastructure (wastewater capacity) and the rural character of some communities could be harmed. "This is going to ruin Saint Paul," Crowder said of large data‑center development in or near small towns; he clarified the town of Saint Paul had no proposed data center in its current comprehensive plan but said community pressure to sell farmland was evident.
The chair acknowledged there is already a moratorium on alternative‑energy projects that is scheduled to expire Dec. 31 and said staff and the Area Planning Commission were reviewing ordinance updates. He cautioned that extending moratoria can raise legal constraints and asked county counsel and planning staff to examine options and statutory limits before bringing an extension to the board. Commissioners encouraged residents to document specific damages and concerns so staff can pursue remedies or negotiations with utilities.
No formal moratorium on data centers was adopted at the meeting; a commissioner indicated he would place a request on the next agenda for board consideration. Commissioners also asked highway and planning staff to coordinate outreach to Mainstream Fiber and other contractors to inspect reported tile damage and pole placements and to pursue corrective actions where warranted.
