Commissioners address data center concerns, hear Avery’s Law update

Carroll County resident Tom Konst asked commissioners for clarification on data centers during their March 23 meeting, raising questions about infrastructure, zoning and what authority county officials have over such projects.

Konst said there has been considerable discussion in the community about the possibility of data centers locating in the area and wanted to address what he described as rumors and misconceptions. He asked whether a proposed energy project off Cobbler Road involved a data center and whether county officials could enter into non-disclosure agreements related to such development.

Commissioners said no data center has been proposed as part of the Advanced Power project and noted the county has no plans for a data center on county-owned property.

“There has not been a data center proposed with the power plant,” Commissioner Chris Modranski said.

Commissioner Robert Wirkner said the county does not control water service and that zoning decisions in unzoned areas would have to be addressed at the township level if residents wanted protections in place.

“If there is an area in the county where residents feel strongly about zoning, that concern falls to the township trustees. Zoning can originate at the township level.”

Konst said many residents do not understand that data centers require significant infrastructure, including roads, water and sewer service, before such a project could move forward.

“It’s more than just building a building,” Konst said. “You got to have ways to service it.”

Commissioners said much of the public discussion remains speculative because no specific project has been formally presented.

“I think what’s fueling a lot of the speculation is that data centers need a lot of power, and with a new power plant expansion, people are connecting those two things,” Wirkner said.

In another matter, Carroll County Dog Warden Merle Long addressed commissioners about Avery’s Law, a new state law that took effect March 20 and changed provisions in Ohio’s dog laws.

Long said House Bill 247 was signed by Gov. Mike DeWine in December and redefined what constitutes a nuisance, dangerous or vicious dog under Ohio law. He said the legislation also increases penalties and fines for owners who fail to keep dogs from committing unprovoked attacks. The increase is from $50 to $100.

Long said the law gives dog wardens greater authority to immediately seize a dog in serious attack cases while court proceedings are pending if the animal is considered a threat to public safety.

“If the community feels that they’re not safe around that dog, then I have to seize it to keep the community safe,” Long said.

Commissioners asked how the new law would affect local operations, and Long said it could place additional strain on the county dog pound because animals may need to be housed during the legal process.

In other business, commissioners:

—APPROVED an amendment to the energy service agreement with Dynegy Energy Services East LLC adding the Carroll County Agricultural Society and the former ODOT building, now owned by the county, to the energy consortium.

—HEARD Transit Director Sonja Trbovich report that Carroll County Transit was awarded $378,400 in federal operating assistance for fiscal year 2027, along with $166,042 in state funding and $73,000 in capitalized maintenance funds. Trbovich said the funding reflects an overall positive outlook, with increases in federal and local support despite a slight decrease in state funding.

—HEARD Clerk Melissa Schaar remind residents that the Carroll County General Health District is still seeking volunteers for its monthly pop-up food pantry, held the first Wednesday of each month from noon to 2 p.m. at the Church of Christ, 353 Moody Ave., Carrollton.

—HEARD Commissioner Donald Leggett II report that maintenance crews plan to install parking pads in the rear annex parking lot this week and that the annex open house drew a better turnout than expected.

—HEARD Commissioner Robert Wirkner report that the county’s Emergency Management Agency is expected to be fully operating out of the annex building in the coming weeks.

—PAID the bills of $16,597.66.