Marion County Shares Next Steps on Proposed Data Center Moratorium

My name is Jason, and I’m part of the Civic Engagement Team at Change.org. Our mission is to connect petition supporters with decision makers and help foster healthy civic engagement in our communities.

One way we carry out that mission is by making sure local leaders with the power to act are aware when petitions like this one gain momentum and giving them an opportunity to provide a response that we can share directly with constituents who care about the issue.

I wanted to share a response we received from the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ office about the public process surrounding data centers, the proposed temporary moratorium on new applications, and upcoming opportunities for residents to follow the discussion. We hope you find the update helpful. - Jason and the Civic Engagement Team

Response from the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ Office:

Good afternoon, Mr. Barnaby,

The county is following the public process required by Florida law as it considers a proposed temporary moratorium on new data center applications. The County Commission has directed staff to prepare a proposed ordinance while also working on permanent land development standards for data centers.

A proposed moratorium was heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission during a public hearing on August 31 at 5:30 p.m. where a motion to move forward with a moratorium ordinance was approved to be recommended to the Board of County Commissioners.

The County Commission has also scheduled a public workshop on data centers for September 21 at 2 p.m. This workshop will provide an opportunity for the commission and community to discuss the topic in an open public forum. The proposed moratorium ordinance is then scheduled to come before the County Commission during a public hearing on October 6 at 2 p.m. The commission has not made a decision on the proposed moratorium, and we do not want to speculate about the outcome of a future vote.

We encourage residents to take part in their local government by attending these meetings, watching online, and learning more about what is being considered. Public participation and informed community involvement are important parts of the local government process.

Upcoming Meetings and Workshop

• September 21 at 2 p.m.: County Commission public workshop on data centers (the public is welcome to attend, but no public comment will be permitted)
• October 6 at 2 p.m.: County Commission public hearing on the proposed data center moratorium

Both meetings can be live streamed at www.MarionFL.org/Agendas