Wright County Board Holds Discussion on a Possible Data Center Opportunity

The Wright County Board of Supervisors held a discussion on the possibility of a data center eventually coming into the county. The full room of residents heard from those wanting to seek expansion into Wright County and those who were opposed to the idea.

Planning and Zoning Commissioner Jeremy Abbas was asked by the board about the feasibility of having a data center in Wright County.

One of the questions regarding data centers is the presumed drain on utilities like electricity and water. According to Abbas, one of those issues is self contained.

Supervisor Dean Kluss responded to calls from the audience for a complete moratorium on data center expansion into the county.

Supervisor Ashley Bosch offered her opinion on the issue.

Supervisor Betty Ellis viewed the issue from the tax benefit for the county.

Wright County Economic Development Director Aaron Buckley felt that more public education was necessary before the issue is seriously considered. He gave a different and realistic look at data centers.

He continued his point by saying that frequent misinformation could be financially and economically counterproductive to the county and its residents.

The county may take up the discussion again or begin designing appropriate ordinances.