The Marshall County Commissioners voted Monday to have County Attorney Sean Surrisi draft resolutions that would ban industrial-scale solar farms and data centers in the county.
Marshall County is currently under a one-year moratorium on industrial-scale solar facilities and data centers. With concerns that the county cannot implement proper regulations for both types of facilities within the next four months before the moratorium expires, Commissioner Stan Klotz suggested implementing a complete ban instead.
Commissioner Jesse Bohannon referenced conversations with State Representative Jim Soliday about the issue. "In my conversations with Representative Soliday last year, he made it clear to us that we just have to say yes or no. He just doesn't want local government jerking these companies around, which I think is fair," Bohannon said.
Klotz said the ban would provide clarity and avoid potential legal battles. "This takes all the doubt away. I look around at St. Joseph County. I see what is happening in Fulton County. I just don't want to go there. I don't want to get caught in litigation anymore. I'm tired of paying lawyers," he said.
The county attorney will draft the ordinances and present them at the March 2nd commissioners’ meeting. The proposed ordinances will then be forwarded to the County Plan Commission for review and public hearing before returning to the commissioners for final approval.
Bohannon requested that definitions for "industrial-scale solar" and "industrial-sized data centers" be included in the resolution for clarification.
Klotz did say that the county could lift the ban at a later date, after an ordinance is created to regulate solar or data centers in the future.
Indiana AG warns of human trafficking during Final Four
Police find man hiding in attic
Billie Creek Village ready for another season
Voter registration deadline April 6
Flags ordered to half-staff for Captain Seth Koval
Conrady seeks Rockville Town Board seat
Peebles looks to keep Vermillion County Commissioner seat
Indiana launches enforcement campaign to target distracted driving and speeding
Indianapolis Indians named title partner of the 2026 Indiana State Fair
Carlisle man leads Parke County officers, others on chase
Game audio: 2A State Championship, Parke Heritage 57, Westview 56 (Air date March 28, 2026)
Parke Heritage captures first ever state championship
New Space Force license plate design
Indiana announces launch of enhanced system for Hoosier military and overseas voters
Wolves look to take final step in 2A title game
