Butler County Fiscal Court advances data center ordinance

MORGANTOWN, Ky. – The Butler County Fiscal Court held the second reading of a proposed data center ordinance Monday evening as county leaders continue preparing for potential development opportunities.

Officials said the ordinance is intended to ensure residents are not responsible for infrastructure costs associated with future data center projects, including improvements to electric and water systems.

County leaders say they recognize that data center development is becoming more common across Kentucky and want Butler County to be prepared while protecting local taxpayers.

Butler County Judge-Executive, Tim Flener, said the next step is forming a committee to gather information and seek public input before any future decisions are made.

“The next step is assembling a committee,” Flener said. “I’ve appointed two magistrates tonight, and hopefully I’ll be able to add a couple more citizens from across the county. They’ll gather the information we’re looking for and help get it out to our people.”

Flener said the committee will help county leaders evaluate the potential impacts of data center development and determine the best path forward for Butler County.

In addition to the data center ordinance, the fiscal court discussed plans to improve the county’s fire truck fleet and reviewed funding for future road repair projects.

County officials say they will continue working to identify solutions that best serve Butler County residents as discussions surrounding data center development continue.