According to minutes from the commission’s August 25 meeting, Commission Chair Casey Quinn raised the issue after a resident suggested the county pursue a data center.
Because Atchison County has no zoning regulations, Quinn wants to determine what could happen if a property owner reached an agreement with a data center company.
The county counselor told commissioners they could directly regulate data centers without adopting comprehensive zoning. He planned to contact officials in Leavenworth County, where the issue has been studied extensively. Quinn also planned to seek information from the Kansas Association of Counties.
Commissioner James Campbell said residents have expressed interest because data centers could generate revenue and jobs. Others have raised concerns about noise, water use and tax incentives.
Campbell supports targeted regulations and believes the county could negotiate terms that benefit residents if a company eventually shows interest.
The matter remains under discussion.
