With a line out the door and a full house, the citizens of Webster County made themselves heard yesterday morning, May 11th, at Marshfield High School’s auditorium during a county commission meeting.
At issue was the building of a new Data Center which has already begun with little to no transparency to the public.
There was an issue on Planning and Zoning, however Webster County doesn’t have a Planning and Zoning Commission and there are no regulations to follow.
The use of water and how the proposed Data Center would handle heat generated by the equipment were also concerns, as well as the impact the Data Center would have on local utility bills.
How much would a Data Center change the character of Marshfield?
In general, Data Centers act as major economic engines for their local communities by generating tax revenue for schools, roads, and emergency services. They create jobs (15 in Marshfield) and drive investments.
Property values around Data Centers often increase.
There’s a lot to consider.
Currently many residents are proposing a moratorium to put the planned Data Center on hold for the next year.
In the end it should be the decision of the citizens of Webster County to determine the future of their community.
(Photo courtesy of City of Marshfield)