SAUK COUNTY, Wis. — Sauk County supervisors have approved an 18-month pause on new data-center proposals as the county works to develop regulations for an industry that local officials say is not yet addressed in its zoning code. The County Board voted 27-1 Tuesday night to stop accepting data-center applications and issuing related zoning approvals in areas under county jurisdiction. County leaders said they are not aware of any data-center projects currently planned in Sauk County, but want rules in place before a developer submits a proposal. Supervisor William Kinsman said the county does not have a specific zoning mechanism for reviewing a data center. Staff will use the moratorium to research the facilities and recommend requirements for future projects. Residents who spoke before the board raised questions about the demands large computing facilities could place on local resources and communities. Concerns included water and electricity consumption, noise, farmland loss and the preservation of Sauk County’s rural character. Jean Scolaro, a Wisconsin Dells-area resident, questioned how much water and power data centers could require and whether those demands could increase costs for residents. Joan Wheeler cited the county’s comprehensive-planning work, saying residents have emphasized protecting farmland and scenic areas, maintaining rural character and supporting future generations of farmers. “We have the opportunity to pass a moratorium, giving our county government time to study these developments and to prepare zoning guardrails,” Wheeler told supervisors. Supervisor Bernadette Greenwood said county staff needs time to catch up with a rapidly changing industry and identify appropriate protections. Officials said they considered a moratorium lasting 12 to 18 months and chose the longer period to allow research and zoning-code changes without rushing the process. County legal counsel also advised that courts have generally viewed 12- to 18-month pauses as reasonable for local zoning reviews. Supervisor John Deitrich supported a moratorium but opposed making it last 18 months. He argued that a shorter pause could be extended if necessary and would avoid committing the county to a longer restriction before officials know whether a proposal might be worth considering. The moratorium does not cover every location in the county. Cities and villages retain authority over development within their boundaries, and property annexed by a municipality could fall outside county zoning control. County officials cautioned that data centers may seek locations near urban infrastructure and services, potentially making annexation a path around county-level review. During the moratorium, county staff will study data centers and develop recommendations for how the county should regulate future proposals.