A data center development in Menomonie, Wisconsin, has been delayed.

Menomonie is a city in Dunn County, located in western Wisconsin.

In a meeting on September 22, Mayor Randy Knaack said that he had drafted a memo to developer Balloonist LLC stating that the city was no longer interested in pursuing the project.

Knaack previously issued a press release on September 9, saying that “from a financial view for the city of Menomonie and the local tax entities, there is a significant gain. From the view of the general public, the question appears to be, at what cost.

“I’m not thrilled about the data center coming to our pristine area and farmland. There are many community concerns. The developers put together a pretty attractive sales pitch. However, the community is speaking pretty loudly that they are not in favor of a data center.

“My personal opinion is we are elected by the people, and that’s who we need to represent. It is our duty to make the best decisions possible. I’m hopeful we can get through this with good decisions being made.”

Opposition to the plan became particularly pronounced following August 4, which is when the City Council approved Balloonist's request to rezone and annex an approximately 320 acre land parcel between 650th and 690th avenue to the north of Interstate 94.

Concerns were expressed about the NDA signed between Balloonist and City Administrator Eric Atkinson, the council’s level of transparency, possible health and environmental effects, and the potential impact on local resources.

Balloonist LLC, which reportedly represents an unnamed tech company, revealed in September that as much as $1.6 billion would be invested as part of the project’s development.

The concept site plan for the facility shows that up to 15 "buildings/equipment yards" could be developed. The number of planned data centers has not been stated.

A document released by the City further estimates that the data center(s) could use approximately 75,000 gallons of water per day, and once completed, bring in 50-75 full-time jobs.

Most of Wisconsin’s data centers are located around Milwaukee or Madison in the south of the state. The upper midwestern state is not a prominent data center market, but it is home to the likes of Microsoft, Meta, and Vantage, as well as Ark (formerly Involta), TierPoint, 1547 CSR, and Expedient.