Growth on the Horizon: Lincoln County Weighs Data Centers, Solar and What Comes Next
- John Eads
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
TROY, Mo. — Lincoln County officials spent part of Tuesday morning looking beyond the road work, building repairs and day-to-day county business to a question that could become increasingly important as development pushes west: what should Lincoln County do if large data centers, solar farms or battery storage projects come calling?
No new data center proposal was presented to the Lincoln County Commission during its Aug. 11 meeting, and no moratorium was adopted. Instead, commissioners and Lincoln County Assessor Kevin Bishop discussed what neighboring communities are seeing, what authority the county may have and whether regulations should be considered before a major project arrives.
Bishop was heavily involved in the discussion, pointing to large data center developments in Montgomery County and the potential financial impact those projects can have on counties and school districts.
The conversation also touched on Troy, where city officials were considering a temporary moratorium involving data center development while additional research is conducted.
For Lincoln County, commissioners said the issue is more complicated than simply stopping development.
Data centers, solar farms and battery energy storage facilities are different types of projects and may require different approaches. Commissioners said the county needs to determine what it can legally regulate and what justification would be required before considering a moratorium.
County officials said they are discussing the issue with legal counsel.
Questions during the discussion ranged from potential tax revenue and economic benefits to electricity demand, water and infrastructure, noise, environmental concerns and how large developments could affect neighboring property owners.
Officials also discussed the possibility of establishing requirements such as setbacks or buffer areas if future projects are proposed rather than attempting to prohibit development altogether.
The discussion remained preliminary, with commissioners making no decision Tuesday on a moratorium or new regulations.
The rest of Tuesday's meeting centered largely on ongoing county operations.
Highway Department Administrator Jeremy Partl reported that the county's striping crew had begun work on Linns Mill Road as part of the first of two scheduled mobilizations this year.
Asphalt crews finished work on Point Road and were wrapping up work on Patton Road before moving to McIntosh Hill. Culvert and ditch work was underway on Duckett Road and South Ridge, while dirt work continued on Blackmore Road between Herger Lane and the end of the asphalt.
A resident also asked the county to consider adding guardrail along Fred Norton Road near the curves off Highway 47. County officials said material has already been added along the roadway and signs installed. Commissioners discussed the expense of guardrail and noted there had not been reported crashes at the location.
The Highway Department also continues working to fill open positions. Partl said the department recently interviewed a candidate with several years of experience and expected to offer him a position.
County buildings and equipment made up another significant portion of the morning.
Officials reported continued work at the Justice Center, including plans for bathroom renovations beginning in September. Additional repairs and improvements are underway at several county facilities.
Work also continues at the Sheriff's Office, including lighting repairs and installation of data units in department vehicles. Officials reported 58 county fleet vehicles had been completed as the project moves forward.
The county is also continuing its search for a transport van after a dealership where officials had located a potential vehicle closed and its inventory was removed.
Commissioners also continued reviewing options for purchasing a tractor. Discussion centered on buying used rather than new and comparing the long-term resale values of John Deere and Case equipment. No purchase was awarded during that portion of the meeting.
The Commission approved minutes from previous meetings before concluding the morning session.
While Tuesday's meeting produced few major decisions, the discussion surrounding large-scale development offered an early look at an issue county officials expect could eventually require action.
For now, Lincoln County has not adopted a moratorium covering data centers, solar farms or battery storage facilities. Commissioners indicated additional legal review and discussion would be necessary before determining whether the county should pursue restrictions or other development standards.
The full Lincoln County Commission meeting is available to watch through Lincoln CountyWatch.
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Story by: John Eads
Primary Sources
Lincoln County Commission Aug. 11, 2026 meeting
Lincoln County Commission meeting video recorded by Lincoln CountyWatch
Lincoln County Commission meeting agenda
Lincoln County Highway Department update presented during the meeting
Lincoln County facilities and equipment updates presented during the meeting
Statements and discussion by Lincoln County commissioners and county officials during the meeting
Lincoln CountyWatch meeting recording and reporting
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