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Chief Executive Gallagher outlines risks in proposed data‑center initiative, urges voters to read text
Summary
At the July 15 council meeting Chief Executive Gallagher said a citizen initiative would add zoning code language to prohibit construction or expansion of data centers after Nov. 3, 2026 without a special election requiring two‑thirds of registered voters; he said the county did not draft the measure and cited statewide concerns about economic impact.
Chief Executive Gallagher told the Butte‑Silver Bow Council of Commissioners on July 15 that a citizen initiative circulating in the county would add provisions to the municipal zoning code and would prevent the county from authorizing construction or expansion of any data center after Nov. 3, 2026 without prior approval at a special election requiring two‑thirds of all registered voters.
"This is what was submitted to us, and this is what the voters are being asked to approve," Gallagher said, reading language from the proposed measure. He said the initiative would insert new articles into chapter 17 (zoning) of the Butte‑Silver Bow municipal code and that the proposed definition of “data center” is broad enough that it does not limit projects by size or power use.
Gallagher said he wrote an op‑ed to clarify the initiative’s language after what he described as misleading social‑media posts accusing local officials of coordination with developers. "Those are flat‑out wrong allegations to make towards any government official," he said, and asked residents to look at the initiative’s text before signing petitions.
He also told commissioners that the Montana Association of Counties had raised concerns about similar measures in other counties and about potential effects on economic vitality if the initiative were enacted. Gallagher said that the county did not prepare the initiative and that the local government would be responsible for running any special election required by the ordinance text.
The council did not take action on the initiative at the meeting; Gallagher said he would share any rulings or developments related to other pending legal matters when available.
