#BarronCounty—and
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badgerstatebreakdown.substack.com
#Wisconsin’s #DataCenter boom is starting to reshape the energy market, too.

#Exus just bought 715 MW of solar projects, including #MapleGrove in #BarronCounty—and says it’s already talking with hyperscalers and utilities serving data centers.

Follow the megawatts.
Renewable Energy Group Acquires 715-MW Solar Power Portfolio
ibV Energy Partners, a developer of integrated solar and storage power plants across the U.S., and Exus Renewables North America, an independent owner,
www.powermag.com
October 1, 2026 at 3:37 PM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
Supervisors in Barron County are raising critical questions about the impact of new data centers on electricity supply, water use, and farmland, emphasizing the need for strategic local agreements to safeguard community interests.

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#BarronCounty #WI #WaterConservation
Supervisors press officials on power, water, farmland and emergency response in data-center Q&A
Board members asked detailed questions about grid capacity, backup generation noise, water use for cooling, farmland loss and emergency services; presenters recommended design-dependent solutions and local agreements to secure protections.
citizenportal.ai
September 10, 2026 at 5:55 AM
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Mark O'Connell reveals the staggering economic impact of data centers in Wisconsin, highlighting both their enormous investments and the local concerns they spark.

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #CommunityConcerns #EconomicDevelopment #DataCenterImpact
WCA's Mark O'Connell lays out pros, cons and costs of big data centers
Mark O'Connell gave the County Board an overview of data-center economics, jobs and community concerns, citing large capital investments, construction employment and contested issues such as NDAs, water use and sales-tax exemptions.
citizenportal.ai
September 10, 2026 at 5:54 AM
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Barron County is gearing up for a crucial vote on an investigatory moratorium that could reshape local data center regulations—are you ready to find out what’s at stake?

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#BarronCounty #WI #BarronCountyMoratorium #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #EmergencyResponse
Board schedules public process, staff follow-ups ahead of October moratorium vote
The committee recommended placing the moratorium on Oct. 19; staff were asked to pursue technical briefings with the local electric cooperative and the Department of Revenue, prepare public notices and schedule zoning-committee work and hearings.
citizenportal.ai
September 10, 2026 at 5:59 AM
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County attorney Rebecca Roker warns that poorly crafted moratoriums could lead to legal battles, urging supervisors to stay within statutory limits and avoid overreach.

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicRecordTransparency #ZoningRegulations #BarronCountyZoning
County counsel: moratorium must be narrowly tailored and limited to county zoning authority
Atollis Law attorney Rebecca Roker told supervisors a county moratorium must be grounded in chapter 59 zoning authority, apply only to unincorporated areas subject to county zoning, and be narrowly written to avoid legal challenge; NDAs remain a key public-records risk.
citizenportal.ai
September 10, 2026 at 5:52 AM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
Barron County is considering a temporary moratorium on data-center development to give officials time to draft new zoning regulations and engage with the community.

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#BarronCounty #WI #CommunityBenefits #BarronCountyMoratorium #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #ZoningRegulations
Barron County committee recommends moratorium ordinance be placed on Oct. 19 agenda
After an informational session on data centers, the county's committee of the whole voted to recommend the proposed temporary moratorium ordinance be added to the board's Oct. 19 agenda so staff and committees can complete a targeted review and public outreach.
citizenportal.ai
September 10, 2026 at 5:51 AM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
Barron County is pushing for sustainable transportation funding while rejecting user fee increases, igniting a heated debate on how to handle the state's surplus.

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #SustainableFunding #InfrastructureDevelopment
Barron County board backs WCA push for sustainable transportation funding after rejecting amendment on user fees
The Barron County Board of Supervisors approved a Wisconsin Counties Association resolution urging sustainable, predictable transportation funding, after voting down an amendment that would have removed language about adjusting new and existing user fees. The main resolution passed 23–3 with 3 absent.
citizenportal.ai
February 24, 2026 at 3:09 AM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
Barron County's aging population is reshaping its economy and finances, with one in four residents now over 65 and state aid on the rise.

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#BarronCounty #WI #DemographicShifts #HealthHumanServices #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #BarronCountyAging
Barron County administrator summarizes WCA Green Book: aging population, higher state aid and relatively low debt
Barron County Administrator Jeff French reviewed the Wisconsin Counties Association 2025 "Green Book," saying about 1 in 4 residents is 65 or older, per‑person county spending is $1,288, health and human services costs are elevated, and state aid and property valuations have risen markedly.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 9:14 AM
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The Barron County Board made waves on Oct. 20 by approving significant funding for a Motorola lease and an $80,000 deputy patrol boat replacement, alongside multiple zoning measures and a new health director appointment.

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Barron County board approves legal‑opinion funding, $80,000 boat purchase and multiple zoning and plan measures; appoints new health director
The Barron County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 20 approved an appropriation for a legal opinion tied to a possible Motorola lease, authorized $80,000 for a deputy patrol boat replacement, adopted multiple zoning and planning resolutions and appointed a new health and human services director.
citizenportal.ai
October 25, 2025 at 9:25 PM
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Barron County is considering a groundbreaking $1.7 million proposal from Motorola to modernize their law enforcement technology with advanced radios and body cameras – a move that could transform public safety!

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #TechnologyInnovation
Barron County hears Motorola radio, camera and in‑car video proposal; board approves $3,000 for legal opinion
Motorola and partner Ancom presented a proposed Barron County radio and mobile‑video upgrade that vendors estimated would cost about $1.7 million after financing. The board approved $3,000 to obtain a legal opinion on structuring lease payments as a general obligation note, a required step before a final board decision.
citizenportal.ai
October 25, 2025 at 5:09 AM
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The Barron County Board just made crucial decisions including funding a new deputy patrol boat and appointing a new Health and Human Services director—find out what else was approved!

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #ZoningReform #BarronCountyGovernance
Votes at a glance: Oct. 20 Barron County Board actions on legal opinion, boat replacement, rezoning, grants and appointments
The board approved multiple items including a $3,000 appropriation for a legal opinion on Motorola lease financing, an $80,000 deputy patrol‑boat replacement, several zoning actions, grant applications, and the appointment of a new Health and Human Services director.
citizenportal.ai
October 23, 2025 at 11:35 AM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
Barron County’s 2026 budget draft reveals a promising drop in the mill rate and a strategic plan for funding important projects—what does this mean for residents?

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#BarronCounty #WI #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #CommunityTransparency #FiscalResponsibility #BarronCountyBudget
Barron County presents 2026 published budget draft; staff flags fund‑balance and Motorola payment timing
County administrators presented the published budget documents for 2026, showing a drop in mill rate driven by a sharp increase in equalized valuation and a plan to use fund balance to cover an initial Motorola payment if the board moves forward.
citizenportal.ai
October 23, 2025 at 11:34 AM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
Barron County is poised to upgrade its law enforcement communications with a $1.7 million proposal from Motorola, featuring cutting-edge radios and body cameras designed to enhance officer safety and streamline evidence management.

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal
Barron County hears Motorola radio, camera and data-system proposal; board approves $3,000 for legal opinion
Motorola representatives outlined a countywide radio, in‑car video and body‑camera package and financing plan estimated at about $1.7 million. The board approved $3,000 to obtain a legal opinion on whether lease payments can be structured as a general‑obligation note.
citizenportal.ai
October 23, 2025 at 1:40 AM
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Barron County is taking a bold step into renewable energy, approving crucial agreements for a solar farm that prioritizes public safety and emergency preparedness.

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #BarronCountySolar #EmergencyResponse #RenewableEnergy
Berrien County Board Approves Solar Farm Emergency Response Plans and Joint Developer Agreements
Berrien County supervisors pass key resolutions on solar farm agreements and emergency response.
citizenportal.ai
August 19, 2025 at 5:06 AM
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Barron County is making waves with a new economic development appointment and a groundbreaking bankruptcy settlement that could reshape its financial future!

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #BarronCountyEconomy #CommunitySafety #FinancialManagement #EnvironmentalInitiatives
County Board Approves Patty Anderson for Economic Development Board Appointment
County Board unanimously appoints Patty Anderson to Economic Development Corporation.
citizenportal.ai
August 19, 2025 at 5:05 AM
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Barron County is revitalizing its forestry and transportation services, including a long-awaited forester position and new ATV routes, sparking excitement for outdoor recreation!

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovement #OutdoorRecreation #PublicHealth
County Board Approves ATV Route Ordinance and Updates Construction Regulations
County board votes on ordinances for ATV routes and construction maintenance procedures.
citizenportal.ai
August 19, 2025 at 5:04 AM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
A groundbreaking 228-megawatt solar project in Barron County is set to boost the local economy and create jobs while paving the way for a sustainable future.

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #EconomicGrowth #BarronCountySolar #CommunityInput #RenewableEnergy
Developers Present 228 Megawatt Solar Project Plans for Maple Grove and Barron County
Developers unveil a 228 megawatt solar project promising local economic benefits and training.
citizenportal.ai
August 19, 2025 at 5:03 AM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
Barron County is taking significant strides in economic development and housing assistance, with new initiatives aimed at boosting local economies and supporting residents in need.

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#BarronCounty #WI #HousingAssistance #CitizenPortal #AgingPopulation #EconomicDevelopment
Berrien County Economic Development Corporation reviews tourism and housing assistance efforts
Berrien County discusses partnership efforts on tourism expansion and housing assistance projects.
citizenportal.ai
August 19, 2025 at 5:02 AM
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Barron County welcomes a new sheriff with deep roots in law enforcement and a fresh supervisor ready to drive positive change!

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #CommunityRepresentation #CivicParticipation #RenewableEnergy #BarronCountyPublicSafety
Berrien County Board Swears in New Supervisor Tim Poltz and Commends Emergency Responders
Tim Poltz officially joins Berrien County Board as new District 21 supervisor during meeting.
citizenportal.ai
August 19, 2025 at 5:01 AM
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Barron County is taking bold strides towards economic growth by enhancing community development initiatives and securing vital funding for local projects.

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EconomicGrowth #BarronCountyEconomicDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment
Barron County Planning Commission Advances Economic Development and Community Assistance Initiatives
Barron County enhances support for economic development through planning and funding assistance programs.
citizenportal.ai
August 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
A bold proposal to expand the Staples Lake Protection District could reshape local lake management and community involvement—are you ready to weigh in?

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #BarronCountyLakeDistrict #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalProtection #ResourceManagement
Pat Brown presents Staples Lake District expansion to Barron County Board
Pat Brown briefs board on expanding Staples Lake Protection District to include Polk County parcels
citizenportal.ai
June 17, 2025 at 1:39 PM
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Barron County shines with an unmodified audit opinion, but faces challenges with internal controls that could impact its financial future.

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #BarronCountyFinance #AuditAccountability #InternalControls #FinancialTransparency
Barren County audit reveals AA bond rating and significant internal control deficiencies
County receives unmodified audit opinion but reports significant control deficiencies annually.
citizenportal.ai
March 27, 2025 at 3:31 AM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
Barron County supervisors just approved a crucial loan for a state-of-the-art waste management project that promises to boost efficiency and revenue!

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#BarronCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #BarronCountyWasteManagement #SustainableWaste #PublicFinance #CommunityPartnerships
Baron County supervisors approve loan for Waste Energy industrial shredder project
Supervisors approve state loan resolution for Baron County Waste Energy equipment purchase
citizenportal.ai
March 27, 2025 at 3:27 AM
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Barron County Supervisors have taken decisive action by approving emergency fire wardens and crucial roof repairs for UW-Eau Claire, marking a pivotal moment for community safety and infrastructure.

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#BarronCounty #WI #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #EducationReform
Barron County Supervisors approve emergency fire wardens and crucial school roof repairs
Supervisors unanimously passed resolutions for emergency fire wardens and roof replacements at UW-Eau Claire.
citizenportal.ai
March 27, 2025 at 3:25 AM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
Barron County is set to transform its jail facilities with a $2.1 million expansion, featuring a state-of-the-art Sally Port and video visitation upgrades aimed at boosting law enforcement efficiency!

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#BarronCounty #WI #BarronCountyJailFacilities #JusticeSystem #CitizenPortal
Sheriff outlines $2.1M Sally Port expansion and video visitation upgrade plans
Sheriff details plans for Sally Port expansion and video visitation enhancements costing $2.1 million.
citizenportal.ai
March 27, 2025 at 3:24 AM