The Hancock County Board of Supervisors has tabled a move to pass a moratorium on data center construction in the county. Supervisor Gary Rayhons of Garner says county officials should focus on writing an ordinance to define how a data center would be allowed to operate in Hancock County.
Supervisor Bud Jermeland of Forest City says the county should have an aggressive timeline to complete an ordinance that would define the parameters for data centers as well as crypto mining, solar farms and battery storage facilities. Supervisor Florence “Sis” Greiman — the only member of the board to support a mortorium — says she doesn’t know what the hurry is.
Earlier this month the Hancock County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously rejected a request to rezone county land near Garner for a potential data center. Ater that vote, two members were disqualified from the commission because they live within the city limits of Garner. The Hancock County Board of Supervisors will have to appoint two new members to the zoning board.
