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Track the latest developments, legal challenges, and city council decisions.
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The Salix Annexation Timeline
A comprehensive, factual record of the proposed 900-acre data center development, rezoning efforts, and community pushback.
City Council Reverses Course on Moratorium
Amid high tension and a heavy police presence to maintain order, the Salix City Council votes 3-2 against enacting a one-year moratorium on data center developments. Council Member Denise Burkhart changes her previous July vote in order to allow conversations with Google to continue. The failure of the moratorium allows the data center rezoning process to proceed.
Threats Force Meeting Postponement
A highly anticipated City Council meeting to vote on finalized moratorium language is abruptly postponed. Mayor Kevin Nelson cites death and terroristic threats made against city officials on social media. The Woodbury County Sheriff's Office launches an investigation.
Woodbury County Files Lawsuit Against Salix
Woodbury County and three area landowners officially file legal petitions challenging the city's initial annexation of the 900-acre farmland plot. The county alleges Salix failed to properly notify residents, circumvented state code, and illegally annexed property that does not actually border the city limits.
Google Identified as Potential Developer
MidAmerican Energy publicly identifies Google as the potential primary customer interested in the site. Google confirms it has reached an agreement to investigate a potential Salix development, but notes no formal rezoning or development applications have been filed yet.
Initial Moratorium Drafted
Facing growing community concerns over water, energy, and infrastructure strain, the Salix City Council votes 3-2 to draft a one-year moratorium on data center developments. The city attorney is tasked with drafting the official language for a final August vote.
County Acts While Data Center Rumors Swirl
As reports emerge that MidAmerican Energy is evaluating the 900-acre Salix site for a massive potential data center development, the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors unanimously passes its own moratorium on data centers in unincorporated areas of the county in direct response to Salix's maneuvers.
Salix Annexes 900 Acres
Following a March notice in the Sergeant Bluff Advocate, the Salix City Council unanimously approves a voluntary annexation petition, officially bringing roughly 900 acres of agricultural farmland into the city's jurisdiction.