St. Joseph City Council Votes Against Data Center Advisory Committee

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — On Monday, the St. Joseph City Council voted against creating a citizens advisory committee on data centers

The vote was 3-6. Council members Russell Moore, Gary Wilkinson, and Collin Clibon voted yes. Mayor Larry Miller and council members Andrew Trout, Randy Schultz, Marty Novak, Madison Davis, and Jason Eslinger voted no.

Council member Russell Moore sponsored the resolution. The proposed committee would have given feedback and recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council about data center development.

In July, the council approved a 12-month pause on new data center applications. Some residents had asked for the pause and for a citizens committee.

Supporters of the committee said it would cost nothing and help build public trust. They said it would allow more people to share information and concerns.

Opponents said the elected council members should make the decisions themselves. They noted that the public already has chances to give input at meetings.

Several residents spoke during the meeting in favor of the committee. They said it could help the city gather information and address community questions.

The decision means no new citizens advisory committee on data centers will be formed at this time. The existing pause on data center applications remains in place.