Fulton County Commissioners motion to amend Zoning Rules amid Data Center concerns

FULTON COUNTY, Ind. -- Rumors of a potential data center development drew an impressive crowd to the Fulton County Commissioners meeting Tuesday night, despite no such proposal being formally before the board.

Nearly 400 people have joined a Facebook group discussing possible development near Akron, and recent zoning changes set to take effect in 2026 fueled concerns among residents about the future of agricultural land in the county.

Commissioners said the packed meeting was driven largely by speculation circulating on social media.

“There’s a lot of rumors going around about centers,” Commissioner David Summers said. “We have not got any proposals, nothing has come to us, no contracts.”

Summers acknowledged that while no plans have been submitted, the county has discussed development in general as it looks for ways to improve its financial outlook.

“I would say there’s a possibility,” Summers said. “We need help on the finance side.”

Commissioners emphasized that there was no official discussion Tuesday night about approving a data center and that no agreements or proposals currently exist. Summers said he only became aware of the concerns about ten days ago and was surprised by the level of frustration from residents.

During public comment, residents raised concerns about zoning ordinances rewritten for 2026. Changes to agricultural and heavy commercial districts now include language that would allow data centers, prompting fears about industrial development on farmland.

Several speakers urged commissioners to take immediate action by revisiting the zoning changes and adding stronger protections for agricultural land.

Commissioner Bryan Lewis ultimately made a motion to send the zoning ordinances back to the county’s planning commission for further review. The move allows the zoning changes to be reexamined in a public meeting, where residents will again have the opportunity to voice concerns.

Commissioners said they want more community input as they continue weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of future industrial development in Fulton County.