St. Marys City Council is moving forward with a proposed temporary moratorium on data centers.

The issue was discussed during the Tuesday, May 26th St. Marys City Council meeting, which was moved from its regular Monday date because of Memorial Day.

Mayor Joe Hurlburt said council advanced a resolution that would place a 12 month moratorium on the establishment or conversion of buildings into data centers within the City of St. Marys. The proposal would also apply to the development, construction, use, or change of use of a building or structure that would allow a data center.

Hurlburt said the moratorium would give the city time to evaluate how data center technology and its possible impacts continue to develop.

According to Hurlburt, several communities are taking similar steps as concerns grow over the footprint of large data centers, along with water usage, electricity demand, and the overall impact on local communities.

Hurlburt said he believes the technology behind data centers could continue to improve over time, possibly reducing the size of the facilities and lowering the amount of water and electricity needed to operate them. He also noted council would have the ability to rescind the moratorium at any point or extend it after one year.

The resolution now moves on to second reading at the next St. Marys City Council meeting.

Council also heard from Gavin Shainer, an Eagle Scout, who presented a proposed project for K.C. Geiger Pond and the fishing pond area. Hurlburt said the project is expected to cost around $8,000 and would bring several improvements to the area.

Derek Dunlap, coordinator for the Community Relief Ignite program in St. Marys, also spoke to council. The program is expected to take place during the third week of June and will bring area churches, local churches, and community members together to help residents with home repairs and improvements.

Hurlburt said the work could include roofing, siding, landscaping, mowing, painting, decking, and other repair needs. The program is offered at no cost to residents, with materials donated or purchased and the labor provided by volunteers.

Residents who need assistance, or those who want to help with the project, can visit communityrelief.net.

Council also discussed a request to vacate a right of way between Pine Street and Pear Street. The request was submitted to Council President Jim Harris by Jacob McEldowney. Hurlburt said the property is a triangular piece of land, and council approved moving the request on to the Planning Committee.

Council also held a third reading of an emergency resolution opposing Enbridge Gas Ohio’s request to increase distribution rates. The resolution asks the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to deny the utility’s request. Hurlburt said the increase could potentially raise individual gas bills by more than $10 per month if approved by PUCO.

Another item involved the 2026 CHIP program. Hurlburt said St. Marys has been allotted $300,000 through the county for home repairs for income eligible residents. The funding can be used for various home improvement needs, including items such as central air conditioning and windows.

Council suspended the rules and passed the CHIP ordinance, making the funding available.

Council also heard an ordinance authorizing an agreement with Clemans, Nelson, and Associates for employee relations work. Hurlburt said the firm assists the city with employee issues, including negotiations involving contracts and unions. That ordinance moves on to second reading.