County approves 12-month data center moratorium

Note: the print edition of this story incorrectly identified Heather Huntington as Heather Herrington

The Owen County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on data center applications during its Sept. 22 meeting, giving county officials time to research the issue and consider regulations before any proposals are submitted.

Commissioner Norm Warner then explained that, although the county has not received any requests to locate a data center in Owen County, the Plan Commission recommended temporarily prohibiting applications for the facilities.

Warner said the 12-month period would allow the county to learn more about data centers, research their potential impacts, and develop appropriate regulatory ordinances. He also said a temporary moratorium would be more legally defensible than immediately adopting an outright ban.

Building and Planning Administrator Heather Huntington clarified that the moratorium also places a pause on rezoning requests related to proposed data centers.

The commissioners unanimously approved the moratorium, drawing applause from the crowded meeting room.

Later in the meeting, Commissioner Sam Hobbs read a letter of resignation from Huntington and praised her work for the county. Hobbs said the county was better off because of her service and that her knowledge and experience would be missed.

Before leaving, Huntington provided commissioners with two additional draft ordinances for future consideration involving government transparency and a prohibition against county officials signing nondisclosure agreements, or NDAs.

Residents urge long-term planning

During the meeting, Owen County resident Jeff Marks encouraged commissioners to provide more direction regarding the county’s economic and community development priorities.

Marks said county leaders and residents should consider what types of industries Owen County wants to attract and what the community wants to be known for. He cited drone sales and data analytics as examples of industries the county could potentially pursue.

Marks also argued that relatively low local incomes contribute to the county’s tax burden and said Owen County’s comprehensive plan already addresses many of the issues facing the community.

He encouraged commissioners to review and prioritize elements of the comprehensive plan and called for greater coordination between the Plan Commission and the Owen County Economic Development Corporation.

Marks concluded with four requests: that commissioners read the comprehensive plan, reengage the public in planning for the county’s future, encourage the Plan Commission and EDC to work together regularly, and prohibit NDAs.

Veterans Park maintenance discussed

Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs Southwest District Service Officer Kevin Hinton reported that the Owen County Veterans Service Office is in full compliance with state requirements. Hinton also praised the local office for providing veterans services on a daily basis.

Terry Laverty later spoke about the need for additional volunteers and resources to maintain Veterans Park, as well as the need to identify someone to serve as superintendent.

Commissioners discussed the roles of local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations in maintaining the park. Hobbs said representatives from the organizations should meet to develop a plan for caring for the property, with the resulting responsibilities eventually incorporated into an ordinance.

Highway Department business

Hobbs also discussed plans to auction old and unused Highway Department equipment. He said commissioners expect to have an ordinance prepared for consideration at the Oct. 6 meeting, with hopes of holding the auction by the end of October.

Commissioners approved hourly wage increases for two Highway Department employees.

Officials also discussed damage to Pottersville Road caused by increased traffic resulting from Indiana Department of Transportation closures along U.S. 231.

Hobbs said INDOT has assured the county that it will address necessary repairs. He asked the Highway Department to continue documenting road damage with photographs and to keep state officials updated on conditions.

Commissioners opened five bids for mowing county rights of way along county roads. Highway Department Deputy Superintendent Chad Walker said he would contact each bidder for additional information. Because the bids were all within approximately $50 per hour of one another, the county could potentially use four or five contractors to complete the work.

EMS receives rural health grant

Owen County EMS Director Cris Lunsford reported that the department had been awarded funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program to support implementation of a mobile integrated health program.

The grant will provide funding for a position to help implement the program. After discussing the grant requirements and confirming that the department could meet them, commissioners authorized Lunsford to sign the grant agreement.

Meeting schedule changes

Commissioners also approved changes to their meeting schedule for the remainder of 2026.

Meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 22, Nov. 10, Nov. 24, Dec. 8 and Dec. 22.

Beginning in 2027, commissioners said they intend to meet at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. The 2027 schedule is expected to be formally adopted in January.

Historic artwork to return to courthouse

During public comment, Owen County resident Bill Pursell told commissioners that several paintings and prints depicting historic Indiana buildings are being stored in the basement of the armory.

Pursell said the works were donated to the county around the time of the nation’s bicentennial and previously hung in the courthouse before being placed in storage when the courthouse rotunda was remodeled.

He asked commissioners to have the artwork displayed again.

Hobbs agreed and asked Pursell to work with Tony Neff and county maintenance staff to identify locations where the pieces can once again be displayed in the courthouse.

The Owen County Board of Commissioners will next meet on Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Owen County Courthouse.