ST. MARYS, Ohio (WLIO) — An Auglaize County community is following the lead of many others by taking a step back when it comes to the growing number of proposed data center projects.
St. Marys City Council voted unanimously Monday night to enact a one-year moratorium on any new data center projects, giving city officials time to take a closer look at what those developments could entail. Officials said the moratorium will allow them to review potential legal issues, state and federal regulations and how those requirements relate to existing city ordinances.
They emphasized that the vote is not intended to support or oppose future data center projects, but rather to provide an opportunity to study the issue more thoroughly, particularly regarding the impact such developments could have on city resources.
“Two of the biggest issues would be how much water and electric would be needed along with wastewater discharge from any of these projects. The city wants to know if it's equipped to handle projects like these. City officials say if not, then so be it, it won't happen...they just want more time to study the issue,” says Jim Harris, St. Marys City Council President.
Harris said the decision ultimately comes down to determining what is best for St. Marys in the long term. St. Marys City Council will meet again July 13 at 6:30 p.m.
