Joplin to consider new $1,000 annual fee for data centers
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Joplin could soon charge data centers a $1,000-a-year business license fee as the city continues to refine its rules for the rapidly growing industry.
The proposal is scheduled for a first reading before the Joplin City Council on Tuesday.
Under Council Bill 2026-519, data centers would receive their own business license classification, with a flat annual fee beginning January 1.
City staff says the fee is intended to help recover costs associated with regulating and overseeing the facilities.
The proposal follows months of debate over how Joplin should handle data center development.
The city recently approved new development standards limiting data centers to heavy industrial areas and establishing requirements involving setbacks, noise, water use and other impacts.
The council agenda also includes several other major items.
A separate proposal would allow a 29-unit row-house development near Wildwood Ranch Parkway and John Duffy Drive.
The project, called Wildwood Villas, received a unanimous recommendation from the Joplin Planning and Zoning Commission.
The council will also consider tourism grants totaling more than $163,000, repairs to a tornado-damaged parks maintenance facility and a proposal to create a Community Art Commission.
The meeting begins Tuesday at 6pm at Joplin City Hall.
