(Radio Iowa UPDATED) – A small northwest Iowa town at the center of a debate over a proposed data center is now considering a one-year data center moratorium. Salix annexed about 900 acres of farmland in April for the project that’s been proposed by MidAmerican Energy. City Councilman Gene Monk introduced the proposal in response to a petition urging the council not to rezone the property for a data center.
“70 some people signed a petition. If we’re up here on the board and our job is to represent the town, what are we doing?” About 300 people live Salix. The Salix City Council voted three-to-two last (Wednesday) night to advance the temporary data center moratorium and use the time to develop regulations. People both supporting and opposing the project spoke during the meeting. A MidAmerican Energy representative told the audience the company is still evaluating the site and searching for an end user.
Salix Mayor Kevin Nelson says he’s received death threats over the issue. “It’s a very scary and nerve-wracking thing to be in front of you all,” Nelson said. “Please have some compassion for the people up here and please understand that we all have compassion for your concerns, too.” Twenty people spoke at last (Wednesday) night’s Salix City Council meeting, including union leaders who say the project will provide good jobs. Leo Jochum spoke in favor of the project. His son is one of the six landlords who agreed to voluntary annexation of their land for a data center.
“I’ve had numerous people express their support over the last few months,” Jochum said. The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, which owns property a few miles from the site, opposes the project. Keely Purscell, a member of the Tribal Council, urged Salix officials to hit the brakes on the project. “Do the right thing for your people. Do the right thing for your children,” Purscell said. “Do the right thing for your grandchildren.” The Salix City Council plans to take another vote the one-year moratorium next month.
(Cover photo: Salix Mayor addresses crowd at city council meeting on July 8, 2026. *Photo courtesy of Iowa Public Radio/Sheila Brummer*
