County leaders urge ‘yes’ vote on New Carlisle data center ahead of Tuesday decision

ST JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- On the eve of a key vote that could decide the future of a major data center in New Carlisle, leaders from across St. Joseph County gathered Monday to push the County Council to approve a rezoning request they say will boost the region’s economy.

Commissioners and mayors from both parties framed the project as a long-term investment, despite ongoing concerns from residents about water usage and rising utility bills.

“You know, this is really should be a no brainer,” said St. Joseph County Commissioner President Carl Baxmeyer. “Several months ago, the discussion centered on, is there enough water? Is there enough power? And those questions have been answered using a closed loop system, not only for this, but a second data center. Is there enough power? Yes.”

All three county commissioners publicly urged the council to support the rezoning, which would clear the way for another large-scale data center development. The proposal has drawn criticism from residents who worry about well water depletion, wildlife disruption and electricity costs.

South Bend Mayor James Mueller argued those concerns have been addressed.

“The misinformation about resource use and those things have been addressed... this is good for St Joseph County, and this is good for South Bend,” Mueller said. “You know, this is a remarkable group of people, you know, I don't have to tell you that we live in divided times. So to have all three commissioners, Republicans and Democrats, to have Mayor Wood lend his support in Mishawaka.”

Mueller called the push bipartisan, though Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood did not attend Monday’s announcement.

Commissioner Rafael Morton, a Democrat, warned that without new commercial tax revenue, the county could face financial strain as the state’s new property tax reform law takes full effect.

“I've also heard when we talk about a possible tax increase that, oh, it's just a threat. No, it's not a threat. It's a distinct possibility,” Morton said.

Supporters also argued the $13 billion project could help fund improvements in communities closest to the site.

“We are encouraging the county to spread the property tax revenues so those local county government areas, New Carlisle, Olive Township and the New Prairie School District get more of the property tax revenues so they can spend some of that on projects of their own choosing,” said Mark Rolfes, president of Hoosier Conservative Voices. “For example, Olive Township wants a new community center. Yeah, I don't like the data center, but I do like the fact that it paid for that new community center.”

Mueller said “all eyes are now on the County Council” ahead of Tuesday’s vote, urging members to do “the right thing” for residents of St. Joseph County.