Commissioner and residents urge moratorium on large data centers; experts advise state-level rule instead of countywide zoning

Concerns about potential data‑center development drew sustained discussion at the Benton County Commission meeting.

Commissioner Fowler (speaker S9) proposed the idea of a temporary moratorium to halt data‑center development for one year while the county studies rules and protections for neighbors. Fowler framed the issue as protecting property owners and taxpayers from sales that could lead to industrial uses near homes and farms.

Local resident and advisor (speaker S8) who said he had consulted state lawmakers urged against adopting countywide zoning. He recommended the commission seek a state‑level solution similar to the Jackson law (mentioned in the transcript) to create transparency requirements for large data centers — including disclosure of size, electricity and water use and a clearer job‑creation forecast — while preserving county land‑use preferences.

Mayor Ward and other commissioners reacted that the county has limited zoning authority and that state action may be the appropriate path; several officials said they had contacted state representatives and senators about statewide measures and would await legislative action.

The commission did not adopt a moratorium during the meeting; the chair noted that a formal resolution would be required and that legal counsel should review options before any binding action.

What happens next: Commissioners signaled interest in researching legal options and in coordinating with state lawmakers; no ordinance or binding moratorium was approved at this meeting.