Data center petition moves forward in Ohio

Carroll County commissioners discussed a newly certified petition aimed at restricting data center construction in Ohio during their March 30 meeting, outlining how residents can participate in the process.

Commissioner Robert Wirkner said the Ohio Attorney General’s Office has certified the title and summary of a proposed constitutional amendment titled “Prohibition of Construction of a Data Center,” which was submitted March 16.

The proposal seeks to add a new section to the Ohio Constitution that would prohibit most data center construction if approved by voters, including setting a 25-megawatt limit that would effectively block modern data centers from being built in Ohio.

Wirkner said supporters of the measure must gather signatures from registered voters equal to at least 10% of the total votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election.

Supporters would need to gather about 413,000 valid signatures by July to place the amendment on the ballot for the November election. Those signatures must come from voters in at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties, with each county’s total equal to at least 5% of the gubernatorial vote cast there.

“Here is the opportunity for the constituents that wish to oppose data centers to have their voices heard,” Wirkner said.

The discussion comes as data centers have become a topic of growing interest and debate locally and across the state.

In a separate matter, Wirkner reported an oil spill over the weekend in Monroe Township involving a pipeline. He said more than 20 personnel, including county Emergency Management Agency staff, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Emergency Management Agency, responded to the incident.

Wirkner said cleanup efforts were in their final stages as of Monday morning.

Wirkner also warned residents about rising water levels at Atwood Lake following recent rainfall. He said the lake level had risen above its typical seasonal level and could continue to increase with additional rain forecast throughout the week.

“The concern would be that we now have an extended weather forecast that indicates that we should see rain pretty much throughout the week,” Wirkner said.

He cautioned residents to watch for potential backwater flooding in low-lying areas and along roads that are prone to overflow.

Carroll County Sheriff Calvin Graham said his office anticipates possible road closures if rainfall continues.

“It’ll probably be the normal road closures you have at this time of year,” Graham said.

In other business, commissioners:

—PAID bills totaling $35,631.96.

—RECEIVED the weekly report from Dog Warden Merle Long, which showed six dogs impounded, two adopted, one redeemed, none euthanized and no citations issued.

—ADOPTED Resolution 2026-18 identifying properties for the Ohio Department of Development’s demolition and site revitalization program and authorizing Commissioner Christopher Modranski to execute required documents.

—HEARD Clerk Melissa Schaar remind residents that dog licenses were $16 if purchased by Jan. 31, with a $16 late fee doubling the cost to $32. She said fees for dogs deemed dangerous or vicious increased from $50 to $100 and noted licenses can be purchased online, while those for dangerous dogs must be obtained in person.