The DeWitt County Board decided against pursuing a data center ordinance in action taken at its monthly meeting on Thursday night.

Board Chair Joe Witte (right) opened the floor for discussion on the matter, setting off a wave of unified skepticism from County officials.

State's Attorney Dan Markwell clarified the framework of how a potential request would move to the zoning board. Witte indicated he is following how the County has handled similar matters in the past. 

While he has done his due diligence in researching the issue, Land Use Committee Chair Buck Carter (left) expressed strong reservations about opening the door to data center frameworks before a clear and verified need exists within the County.

Chris Hammer (right) pointed to Logan County, which put a 12-month moratorium on data centers, deferring to Markwell on the County's regulatory limits.

Further opposition was echoed by board member Terry Ferguson, who favored maintaining the County’s current zoning stability. Rather than sending the issue to the ZBA to construct an active ordinance framework, Ferguson believes preemptive action was unnecessary.

Board member Pat Ryan wrapped up the floor debate by supporting the pushback against the request, cementing the board's collective sentiment, which resulted in a unanimous vote to deny sending the issue forward.

The Board unanimously voted down sending any direction to the Zoning Board of Appeals, effectively putting any immediate talks of local data center development on hold.

Hear from Board Chair Joe Witte on the WHOW Morning Show on Friday at 8:30 am.