County Supervisors Continue Efforts Toward Resolution of Variables Involved in DATA Center Zoning and Permitting

Due to overlapping assignments, this reporter missed the August 5th 1 p.m. open meeting of the Warren County Board of Supervisors. Once again, business dealings with DATA Centers took center stage. Below are sections of minutes of that portion of the meeting from the County website.

Authorization to Advertise – Z2026-05-01 Zoning Text Amendment for Data Centers in the Industrial (I) Zoning District

“Mr. Stanmeyer stated that this should be authorized for a public hearing, but is concerned with the timing and emphasized that this has been a passionate issue with high public engagement and that residents from the Town and the County both have been lobbying the same concerns. Based on the overlapping interests of the County and Town, he stated that the Board owes it to the citizenry to meet with the same outside council that the Town of Front Royal recently used when contemplating its options, so that the Board can directly and fully understand the legal reasoning that the town relied upon to reach its full list of options. He then moved to delay the hearing date to be determined … until such time as the Board of Supervisors can meet with the same outside counsel that the Town of Front Royal uses in formulating its options.

“Dr. Jamieson stated that there is not a date mentioned in what is being advertised and emphasized that 38% of the County resides in the Town with the same concerns about water sources and that it would be beneficial to ensure the broadest possible view. He then stated that whatever the Board ends up doing, it should be consistent with the Town, at least to understand the perspective that they had access to.

“Ms. Cullers stated that the date coincides with the Regular Meeting for public hearings which is August the 18th, which is the date that has been arranged with the school system to use the school auditorium and hopes that that would give enough time to meet without the need to postpone. She then expressed concern that the community wants this completed, is anxious, and would prefer not to postpone the hearing for that reason, but is not trying to squelch what is being suggested.

The WC Board of Supervisors is busy preparing for major decisions on the DATA Center zoning amendment and permitting requests. Royal Examiner File Photo

“Dr. Jamieson suggested that the Public Hearing be a special meeting so that it could be the only item on the agenda. Additionally, he stated that he would support Mr. Stanmeyer’s second motion for the reasons mentioned and that having access to the full range of legal options would be beneficial for the Board.

“Mr. Henry asked if that consultation could be done on the August 5th work session and still be able to have the hearing on the 18th, and if that consultation could not be completed, could the Board postpone the meeting as needed.

“Mr. Henderson commented that the public hearing still had to be advertised twice in a daily circulating paper, and the second ad had to be on the 11th. He emphasized that if the date is not known by August 5th, the meeting could still be properly advertised if it were held on back-to-back days rather than the usual back-to-back weeks.

“Ms. Meadows stated that she has the firm’s contact information and will reach out to them on the following day to schedule them for the 5th.

“On a motion by Mr. Stanmeyer, seconded by Mr. Henry, and the following vote, the Board authorized the advertisement for the public hearing, subject to being able to meet with outside counsel sometime between the 7th and the 17th.

“Dr. Jamieson, Aye; Mr. Henry, Aye; Ms. Cullers, Aye; Mr. Carter, Aye; Mr. Stanmeyer, Aye

“Dr. Jamieson commented that on April 22nd, 2026, the Frederick County Attorney made a legal memorandum for public release and felt that it was a good idea, educational, and had spoken to Mr. Ham about the possibility of it. He then emphasized the relevance and importance of this issue, the public’s interest in learning and having the most education possible on legal information, and that it would be beneficial and good for the community if Warren County followed suit.

“Mr. Ham stated that he has provided a public statement, but could put something in writing if it is the pleasure of the Board. It would not be dissimilar from what he has announced during the current meeting and the Planning Commission meeting, and that he would be happy to do that.”

Summary Overview

So, it would seem the board continues to tread water as it tries to develop a path forward with DATA Centers partnered with the Town of Front Royal. It is hoped that both municipalities would take into consideration all the involved variables, including technology advancements forecast to reduce DATA Center water usage by as much as 90%. If true and verifiable, it would seem to be a major factor in a final decision on how to proceed with the consideration and possible authorization of DATA Centers under strict environmental guidelines. Guidelines that would have to be under continued scrutiny by both the County and the Town to keep their operational permits in place.

For remember, particularly for home and other real estate owners the Commercial tax revenue produced by DATA Centers could be a very beneficial source of municipal tax revenue that could keep those citizens taxes at a perhaps significantly lower rate. But the reduction of harmful environmental impacts must be proven and made an ongoing requirement for continued operational authorization of DATA Centers.

See a related story citing County Attorney Jason Ham’s comments on the board’s upcoming meeting on DATA Centers.

And good luck to us all moving forward.

County Attorney Jason Ham Addresses Variables on DATA Center Zoning Text Amendment Coming to the Supervisors