By Allison Peck
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners is expected to revisit a proposed temporary moratorium on data center development during its meeting Monday morning, following a decision last week to table the measure and gather additional information.
Commissioners have scheduled discussion of Resolution No. 2026-21 for 9:45 a.m. Monday at the Lincoln County Courthouse. The resolution would place a temporary moratorium, or hold, on the development of data center facilities in Lincoln County.
The issue has drawn significant public attention in recent weeks as county officials, economic development leaders, and residents continue discussions about the potential impacts of large-scale data center projects.
Last week, commissioners considered the proposed moratorium but ultimately voted to table the resolution after several board members expressed interest in obtaining additional information before making a final decision.
The proposal initially failed on a 2-3 vote after Commissioner Kent Weems stated he wanted additional clarity regarding differing viewpoints surrounding the issue. Following further discussion, commissioners agreed to postpone action until after county officials had an opportunity to learn more about data center development and related state policy discussions.
Several commissioners indicated support for gathering more information before determining whether a temporary pause on development applications is necessary.
The discussion came as county officials prepared to attend a Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) meeting Wednesday focused on data center development and the growing interest in Nebraska as a potential location for future projects.
The NACO event brought together county officials from across the state to discuss topics including local zoning authority, infrastructure requirements, water usage, power generation, economic development opportunities, and recently enacted state legislation related to data centers.
The timing also coincides with Gov. Jim Pillen's signing of LB 1261, legislation establishing new requirements for large data center projects in Nebraska. State leaders have said the law is intended to help ensure major facilities address their own power needs and work collaboratively with public power districts and local communities.
Monday's meeting will provide commissioners their first opportunity to publicly discuss what they learned from last week's NACO meeting before deciding whether to move forward with the proposed moratorium.
In addition to the data center discussion, commissioners are scheduled to consider claims and treasurer's receipts, a special designated liquor permit request for an event at The Farmhouse in July, safety lighting improvements on the southwest corner of the courthouse, appointments to the county Safety Committee, and authorization of a Nebraska Department of Transportation selective overtime enforcement grant application.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting begins at 9 a.m. Monday in the Commissioners Room at the Lincoln County Courthouse.