Scio officials discuss data centers

For the last several years, the data center in Hopedale has been at center stage amid noise complaints and questions about what is being done there. Now, other communities in the county are beginning to discuss the issue, with Scio the latest.

Village Solicitor Jack Felgenhauer noted that other villages are considering resolutions or ordinances in an attempt to restrict the “infiltration” of such facilities.

“I don’t think we have that issue to be concerned with here,” he said.

Mayor James Clark said it would bring tax dollars into the village. Felgenhauer said he did not think anyone in the village wanted to enact an ordinance to keep that type of business away.

“God knows you could use some business around here, so anyhow, as long as you’re aware,” he told council.

Council took no further action on the issue.

Earlier, council heard from Income Tax Administrator Janeen Scott, who raised the issue of mileage compensation while on the job. Scott said she has been picking up mail in Jewett twice a week using her personal vehicle since the Scio Post Office closed and asked whether she could be reimbursed.

“Did you have your personal car for official business, I don’t see how she couldn’t,” Clark said, adding that the decision rests with council.

Council determined the cost would be about $6 per week and approved a motion to reimburse Scott for her mileage.

Clark also said an email from Jody Hennis, office administrator for the Harrison County Community Improvement Corp., gave the green light for the demolition of two houses on East College Street. Clark said two additional properties on Grandview Road and Schoolhouse Street will be submitted in the next grant application in July.

“They were not allowed to submit all the addresses, so they split them into two,” Clark said. “But the two that they did this time were approved.”