The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on August 4, 2026, at the Des Moines County Courthouse in Burlington. The amended agenda included routine financial claims, a fireworks permit, property transactions, property-tax suspension requests, personnel actions, reports, and the July 28 meeting minutes. It also identified two work sessions following the regular meeting: one concerning Jake brake usage and another concerning a data center presentation.
A substantial portion of the regular meeting consisted of updates from county departments and elected offices. Veterans Affairs reported continued community outreach, including participation in a veteran stand down and the county fair. The Health Department was preparing for back-to-school immunization demand, while the Sheriff's Office discussed National Night Out, regional sheriff discussions involving bond reform and jail populations, the upcoming review of applications for a director position, and a jail population of 94, including 24 people from outside the county.
County infrastructure and transportation activity was another important theme. County engineering staff reported concrete work on Pleasant Grove Road and warned residents about upcoming traffic changes connected with the ammunition plant and road construction north of Mediapolis. The plant was expected to close its Middletown gate for a period extending roughly through October and move traffic to another access point. Officials were also considering possible traffic-control measures, with implementation depending in part on what the plant would fund. North of Mediapolis, additional traffic shifts were expected as construction moved onto new lanes.
The Board acted on several financial and property matters. Accounts payable claims totaled $990,771.83, consisting of $654,167.70 in checks and $336,604.13 in wire-transfer payments. The Board also approved extensions of the closing deadlines for the 1804 Douglas Avenue property and three additional Douglas Avenue lots. Staff attributed the delay to completion of updated abstracts and title work and anticipated an August 20 closing.
Two requests to suspend, or delay, property taxes under Iowa Code 427.9 were also approved. Officials emphasized that these taxes were being postponed rather than forgiven: the obligation remains and becomes due when the applicable triggering event, such as transfer of the real estate, occurs. The discussion indicated that the requests had received the necessary DHS approval.
The Board proclaimed August 4, 2026, as National Night Out in Des Moines County. The proclamation emphasized police-community partnerships and encouraged residents to participate in the Greater Burlington-area event. The Sheriff's Office said the event would run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the riverfront, between the auditorium and port area, with law-enforcement and other public-safety agencies participating.
After the regular meeting, supervisors held a work session concerning complaints about Jake brake, or engine-compression brake, noise near Sullivan Slough Road. Officials said voluntary compliance had recently improved conditions, but discussed whether an ordinance was needed to make restrictions enforceable. The discussion favored a framework that could establish a general county ordinance while identifying specific restricted locations, rather than imposing a blanket prohibition everywhere. Staff was directed to work on ordinance language. Because an ordinance requires the normal adoption process, officials cautioned that enforceable signs would not appear immediately.
The second work session focused on a Bitcoin-mining/data-center operation near Big River Resources in the West Burlington area and a possible expansion from roughly 4.25 megawatts of current use toward a 25-megawatt facility. The company representative described the existing operation's cooling system, electrical demand, possible expansion, infrastructure needs, water use, noise, fire safety, employment, and economic effects. The representative said the present equipment primarily uses dry cooling and that the company seeks locations where electrical capacity already exists.
The data-center discussion was exploratory rather than a final approval of a 25-megawatt expansion. Supervisors and other participants asked detailed questions about electricity, water, environmental effects, equipment replacement, infrastructure, taxes, jobs, and future users. The company estimated that a full 25-megawatt development could represent roughly $300 million or more in construction and infrastructure investment, with a portion devoted to electrical transmission and substation improvements. The representative also estimated approximately 18 direct operating positions depending on staffing arrangements, plus demand for electricians, waste service, deliveries, and other supporting work.
The meeting therefore combined immediate county business with longer-term policy questions. Residents should distinguish the Board's completed votes on claims, property matters, personnel actions, the proclamation, and minutes from the work-session subjects. The Jake brake issue moved toward preparation of an ordinance but had not yet completed the ordinance process, while the data-center expansion remained a subject of investigation and discussion rather than a final county authorization.
Major Discussion and Action Items
Financial Claims
The Board considered routine county claims. The transcript identifies accounts payable totaling $990,771.83: $654,167.70 in checks and $336,604.13 in wire-transfer payments. The claims were brought forward for Board action and approved.
Payroll reimbursement claims were also considered and approved. The transcript's automated text is less clear regarding all individual figures associated with that item, so only amounts clearly supported by the source should be treated as definitive.
These approvals authorize payment of county obligations and are part of the Board's regular fiscal oversight.
Fireworks Permit for 34 Raceway
The agenda called for consideration of a fireworks permit for 34 Raceway dated August 1, 2026. The Board took up the permit during the discussion-and-vote portion of the meeting and approved it.
Veterans Affairs Commission Appointment
An appointment to the Veterans Affairs Commission appeared on the amended meeting agenda. The available transcript extraction does not provide sufficiently clear information to responsibly identify the appointee or reconstruct the exact motion and vote. The appointment should therefore be understood as an agenda item without adding unsupported details about the person selected.
Douglas Avenue Property Closing Deadlines
The Board considered two related county property transactions: 1804 Douglas Avenue and a separate Douglas Avenue property consisting of three lots.
Staff explained that completion of updated abstracts and the resulting title work had delayed closing. The anticipated new closing date was August 20, 2026. Although discussion indicated that a formal resolution was not necessary merely to extend a closing deadline, a Board member favored taking a recorded vote so the county's authorization would be clear.
The Board approved both extensions.
Property-Tax Suspensions Under Iowa Code 427.9
The Board considered two requests for suspension, or delay, of property taxes under Iowa Code 427.9.
Officials stressed an important distinction for taxpayers: a suspension does not erase or forgive the taxes. Instead, collection is postponed until the statutory triggering circumstances occur. The discussion indicated that the requests had already received DHS approval.
The Board approved both requests.
National Night Out
The Board adopted a proclamation recognizing August 4, 2026, as National Night Out in Des Moines County. The proclamation framed the event as a way to strengthen relationships between residents and public-safety agencies and encouraged county residents to participate.
The Sheriff's Office reported that the local event was scheduled for 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Burlington riverfront between the auditorium and port area. Public-safety agencies planned equipment displays and community activities.
Sheriff's Office and Jail Update
The Sheriff's Office reported a jail population of 94 that morning, including 24 people from outside Des Moines County. Several inmate movements were anticipated, including transfers to prison or a halfway house.
The sheriff also discussed a recent regional sheriffs' meeting where bond reform and jail populations were among the topics, along with a task-force board meeting concerning future operations.
Applications for a director position associated with DESK were due Friday following the meeting, with an advisory board expected to begin reviewing and narrowing the applicant pool the following Monday.
Back-to-School Immunization Clinics
The Health Department reported increased activity connected with back-to-school vaccinations. In addition to its regular clinic availability, additional August clinics were announced.
The later meeting discussion identified August 17 and August 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for seventh- and twelfth-grade students and August 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for pre-K-related immunizations.
Conservation, Big Muddy Building, and Trail Planning
Conservation staff described the transition from summer programming toward fall field trips and future Nature Center programs.
The Burlington City Council had approved a memorandum of understanding with the Partners for Conservation Foundation related to the Big Muddy building. The foundation was reported to be nearing completion of a donation agreement, after which a lease transfer involving the city was expected to proceed.
Conservation staff also identified a possible grant opportunity that could support a trail connection. The precise corridor remained to be determined, and additional discussions were planned. Staff characterized the trail connection as an important departmental project but indicated that meaningful progress would take months.
Pleasant Grove Road and County Road Work
County engineering staff reported concrete work on Pleasant Grove Road. Crews expected to pour part of a concrete slope that day, with the remainder potentially following later in the week depending on weather and curing conditions.
Other road work remained underway, including culverts and aggregate work. Staff indicated that some construction was progressing more slowly than hoped but was continuing.
Ammunition Plant Traffic Changes
County officials were working with the ammunition plant regarding traffic and safety concerns. Engineering staff had developed a possible traffic-control layout and was seeking an estimate, with the ultimate installation dependent in part on whether the plant agreed to pay for it.
The plant was expected to close its Middletown gate during construction, roughly through October, and shift traffic to another access point while work occurred on Texas Avenue.
Officials expected traffic to adjust but warned residents of changing travel patterns.
County engineering staff warned motorists about significant traffic changes north of Mediapolis.
The project was expected to involve opening one route or segment, closing another, and ultimately shifting traffic onto newly constructed lanes so work could begin on the existing lanes. Staff expected several changes during August and urged drivers to remain alert.
Jake Brake Usage on Sullivan Slough Road
The post-meeting work session examined engine-compression braking complaints near Sullivan Slough Road. Officials described residences close to the roadway and a steep grade where engine braking can be especially disruptive.
Voluntary cooperation by truck drivers and contractors had improved the immediate situation. Nevertheless, participants noted that voluntary compliance can weaken over time and that an ordinance would give law enforcement a legal basis for enforcement.
Officials generally did not favor an unnecessary countywide prohibition because engine braking may be appropriate in other locations. The emerging approach was an ordinance broad enough to establish county authority but allowing restrictions to be applied to specifically designated locations.
The work session ended with direction for ordinance language to be prepared. Officials emphasized that the normal ordinance process would take time and that signs would not be installed immediately.
Data Center and Bitcoin-Mining Operation
A company representative presented information concerning the existing Bitcoin-mining/data-center operation near Big River Resources in the West Burlington area.
The representative said the current site uses approximately 4.25 megawatts at a location where roughly 5 megawatts had been available. The company was interested in eventually expanding the site to approximately 25 megawatts.
The company said its current equipment uses dry cooling and is not presently drawing water for routine cooling. Some equipment can use limited evaporative or mist cooling under very hot conditions. The presentation prompted questions about what water demands could look like if the facility expanded or hosted different types of computing equipment.
Electricity was another major subject. The representative said the company pays for infrastructure necessary to serve its operations and described arrangements under which equipment can rapidly reduce electrical demand when directed by the utility. The representative said the existing 4.25-megawatt load can be reduced to a minimal level within minutes under that arrangement.
Participants also discussed environmental impacts. Conservation staff distinguished relatively small closed-loop cooling systems from very large data centers that may consume or discharge substantially greater quantities of water. Based on the existing small operation described during the work session, no immediate major conservation concern was identified, although future expansion would warrant continued scrutiny.
The company described a potential 25-megawatt buildout as a major capital project. Discussion placed total construction and infrastructure investment at roughly $300 million or more, including electrical transmission and substation work. These figures were estimates presented during a work session, not a county-approved project budget.
Employment was also discussed. The representative estimated approximately 18 direct operating employees depending on whether the facility ultimately uses two 12-hour shifts or three eight-hour shifts, in addition to electricians, delivery services, waste handling, and other support needs. The representative characterized many positions as technical and relatively high-paying.
No final approval of the proposed 25-megawatt expansion was established during this work session.
Votes, Decisions, and Direction
- The Board approved payroll reimbursement claims. The available transcript does not clearly preserve enough of the roll call to responsibly identify the maker and seconder.
- The Board approved accounts payable claims totaling $990,771.83, consisting of $654,167.70 in checks and $336,604.13 in wire-transfer payments.
- The Board approved the 34 Raceway fireworks permit.
- An appointment to the Veterans Affairs Commission was listed for discussion/vote, but the available transcript text does not clearly establish the appointee or exact action, so no unsupported result is stated.
- The Board approved extending the closing deadline for 1804 Douglas Avenue to the anticipated August 20 closing date.
- The Board approved extending the closing deadline for the Douglas Avenue property consisting of three lots, also toward an anticipated August 20 closing.
- The Board approved the first request for suspension/delay of property taxes under Iowa Code 427.9. The taxes were postponed, not forgiven.
- The Board approved the second Iowa Code 427.9 property-tax suspension/delay request.
- The Board approved the National Night Out proclamation for August 4, 2026.
- The Board approved two Sheriff's Office personnel actions involving anniversary-related compensation changes.
- The Board approved an IT personnel action involving paid leave.
- The Board approved the July 28, 2026 regular meeting minutes.
- During the Jake brake work session, the Board reached direction for staff to prepare ordinance language establishing an enforceable framework for designated locations. This was preliminary direction, not final adoption of an ordinance.
- The data-center work session was informational and exploratory. The materials do not establish final Board approval of the proposed 25-megawatt expansion.
Financial Matters
The largest clearly documented routine financial action was approval of accounts payable totaling $990,771.83, including $654,167.70 in checks and $336,604.13 in wire-transfer payments.
Payroll reimbursement claims were also approved, although the transcript extraction does not preserve every figure with sufficient clarity to reproduce a complete itemized total confidently.
Two property-tax suspension requests were approved under Iowa Code 427.9. These actions delay collection rather than eliminate the tax obligation. Officials specifically explained that the taxes remain payable when the statutory conditions for ending the suspension occur.
The Douglas Avenue property transactions also carry financial implications for the county. Their closing deadlines were extended because updated abstracts and title work were still being completed. The expected closing date discussed was August 20, 2026.
The data-center work session involved potentially much larger future economic figures. The company described an expansion from approximately 4.25 megawatts to 25 megawatts and estimated roughly $300 million or more in construction and infrastructure for a full buildout. These were company estimates, not expenditures approved by the county.
The representative also stated that property improvements associated with the project would be assessed and could therefore increase taxable property value. No specific county property-tax revenue projection was established during the discussion.
Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance
The most significant prospective policy issue was Jake brake regulation.
Officials reviewed examples from other Iowa counties and discussed whether Des Moines County should regulate engine-compression braking countywide or only at problem locations. Participants generally favored avoiding an indiscriminate countywide prohibition because engine braking has legitimate safety uses and complaints have not been widespread.
The emerging concept was a county ordinance establishing the legal framework while allowing designated locations, such as the Sullivan Slough Road area, to be identified for restrictions. This could also allow future locations to be added through Board action without rewriting the entire regulatory framework.
Staff was directed to develop ordinance language. No ordinance was finally adopted during this work session, and officials explained that required readings and other procedural steps mean enforceable signs would not appear immediately.
The Board also adopted the National Night Out proclamation, formally recognizing August 4, 2026, as National Night Out in Des Moines County and supporting police-community partnerships.
The data-center work session raised possible future zoning and utility-policy questions. The company representative urged the county to involve water and electric utilities in developing requirements so that future facilities would operate within available utility capacity. These were proposals and discussion points, not newly adopted county regulations.
Reports, Presentations, and Updates
Veterans Affairs reported continued outreach, including participation in the veteran stand down and county fair. Staff said those events were bringing new veterans and surviving spouses into contact with the office.
The Health Department reported strong demand for immunization services as families prepared for school. Additional August clinic dates were announced later in the meeting.
The Sheriff's Office reported National Night Out preparations, regional discussions about bond reform and jail populations, task-force planning, and the upcoming review of applications for the DESK director position.
Conservation reported the seasonal transition from summer interns and camps toward fall field trips and future Nature Center programming. Staff also discussed the Big Muddy building process and a possible grant for a trail connection.
Land-use staff reported that a subdivision had recently been recorded and that several previously approved subdivisions were moving toward completion.
The Board received or placed on file the Veterans Affairs Monthly Report for July 2026, the Auditor's Report of Fees Collected for the second quarter of 2026, and the Dewey Byar Trust report covering April 1 through June 30, 2026.
The data-center presentation was the meeting's most extensive informational briefing. It addressed electrical capacity, cooling systems, water, infrastructure investment, employment, environmental concerns, equipment life cycles, and the differences between cryptocurrency mining and other forms of data-center computing.
Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters
Two Sheriff's Office personnel actions involved anniversary-related compensation changes. The transcript identifies one deputy's annual rate moving from $72,942.88 to $77,572.93 and describes the same new annual rate for a deputy school resource officer, with separate effective dates. The Board approved the two actions together.
The Board also approved an IT personnel action involving 4.5 hours of paid leave, effective July 31, 2026.
An appointment to the Veterans Affairs Commission was on the amended agenda. Because the available transcript extraction does not clearly preserve the appointee and final action, no name or result is inferred.
The Sheriff's Office reported that applications for the DESK director position were due later that week and that an advisory board expected to begin reviewing them the following Monday.
Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
County crews were working on a concrete slope on Pleasant Grove Road. Staff expected to pour approximately half and potentially complete another portion later in the week depending on weather and curing conditions.
The ammunition plant was preparing for a significant access change associated with work on Texas Avenue. Its Middletown gate was expected to close for a period extending roughly through October, with traffic moved to another gate. County officials were evaluating traffic-control options and obtaining cost information.
Motorists were also warned about construction changes north of Mediapolis. Traffic was expected eventually to shift onto new lanes so work could begin on existing lanes, with several changes anticipated during August.
Conservation continued work related to the Big Muddy building and explored a possible grant for a future trail connection. The route and funding had not been finalized.
The proposed data-center expansion represents a possible future infrastructure project requiring substantially more electrical transmission capacity. The presenter said expansion beyond the existing approximately 5-megawatt capacity would require upgrades including transmission infrastructure, switching equipment, and a larger transformer.
The regular meeting included a public-input period. The available transcript does not establish a substantive resident comment requiring a separate policy response during that portion of the regular meeting.
Additional information was provided during the public-input period about Health Department immunization clinics and the county's solar generator, which residents could see at National Night Out and potentially at another upcoming community event.
The Jake brake work session was connected to concerns about engine-braking noise near residences along Sullivan Slough Road. Officials acknowledged that voluntary cooperation had improved the immediate problem but discussed creating an enforceable mechanism should complaints recur.
The data-center work session included extensive questions and concerns about power, water, environmental effects, safety, jobs, and the scale of future development. One participant raised concerns about reported federal policy discussions affecting data centers. The presenter responded by discussing the current site's materials and operations, while acknowledging that expansion could change the scale of the operation.
Questions and Answers
When are the additional back-to-school immunization clinics?
The Health Department initially said three additional August clinic dates were planned. Later in the meeting, the dates were identified as August 17 and August 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for seventh- and twelfth-grade students, and August 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for pre-K-related vaccinations.
How many people were in the county jail?
The Sheriff's Office reported a population of 94 that morning, including 24 people from outside Des Moines County.
Why were the Douglas Avenue closings delayed?
Staff said updated abstracts were taking additional time. Once those were completed, an attorney could complete the title opinion. The anticipated closing date was August 20.
Are the suspended property taxes being forgiven?
No. Officials specifically explained that the taxes are being postponed, not waived. The obligation becomes due when the applicable statutory conditions occur.
Is a Jake brake ordinance necessary if drivers are voluntarily complying?
Officials said voluntary compliance is valuable and had improved the immediate situation. However, an ordinance would give law enforcement authority to enforce restrictions when voluntary compliance fails.
Would a Jake brake restriction apply everywhere in the county?
The discussion leaned away from a blanket prohibition. Officials preferred a framework allowing restrictions at designated locations where conditions justify them.
How much electricity does the existing data-center operation use?
The presenter described the existing operation as using approximately 4.25 megawatts at a site where about 5 megawatts of capacity had been available.
Does the current data center use large amounts of water?
According to the presenter, the current dry-cooling equipment does not use water for ordinary cooling. Some equipment can use limited mist cooling in very hot conditions. Future water requirements could differ depending on the technology installed during an expansion.
How large could the data center become?
The company described a potential expansion to approximately 25 megawatts. The presenter estimated approximately $300 million or more in total construction and infrastructure investment for that scale of project. This was a proposal and estimate, not an approved county expenditure.
How many jobs might an expanded data center create?
The presenter estimated roughly 18 direct operating positions, depending on shift arrangements, plus supporting work for electricians, delivery services, waste handling, and other contractors.
Would the expanded data center pay property taxes?
The presenter said property improvements would be assessed and expected the project to increase taxable property value, although no verified county revenue estimate was presented.
Residents may see immediate effects from county road and traffic projects. Travelers near the ammunition plant and north of Mediapolis should expect changing access patterns and construction configurations during August and potentially into the fall.
Families preparing for school have additional opportunities to obtain required immunizations through the Health Department's August clinics.
Veterans and surviving spouses may benefit from the Veterans Affairs office's continuing community outreach, which is bringing additional residents into contact with available county services.
Residents near Sullivan Slough Road could eventually receive additional protection from disruptive engine braking if the proposed ordinance proceeds through the formal adoption process. No enforceable ordinance was adopted at this meeting, however.
Taxpayers should note that the approved Iowa Code 427.9 actions delay qualifying property-tax obligations rather than permanently eliminating them.
The proposed data-center expansion could have significant future economic and infrastructure implications. The company described substantial private investment, additional taxable improvements, and technical employment, but those benefits remain prospective because the 25-megawatt expansion had not received a verified final county approval during this meeting.
The same expansion could create future questions about electricity, water, noise, environmental impacts, utility infrastructure, zoning, and emergency response. The work session showed that county officials were still gathering information on those subjects rather than treating them as settled.
Conservation projects involving the Big Muddy building and a possible trail connection could eventually expand recreational or public-use opportunities, but both remained in development.
- What specific locations would initially be covered by a proposed Jake brake ordinance, and what criteria would be used to add future locations?
- When will draft Jake brake ordinance language be available for public review?
- What enforcement resources and signage would be needed if the ordinance is adopted?
- What traffic-control changes will be implemented around the ammunition plant, and who will pay for them?
- What are the updated construction and traffic-shift dates for the project north of Mediapolis?
- What additional county approvals would be required before the proposed data center could expand to 25 megawatts?
- What independent information will the county obtain regarding the expanded data center's electrical, water, noise, fire-safety, and environmental impacts?
- How would a major data-center expansion affect the county's assessed property value and property-tax base?
- What utility infrastructure would need to be constructed or upgraded, and who would be financially responsible?
- What water-use limits or reporting requirements could apply if future data-center equipment uses evaporative cooling?
- What is the anticipated timeline for completing the Big Muddy building transfer process?
- Which grant programs are being considered for the proposed trail connection, and what local funding or match might be required?
Important Dates and Next Steps
- August 4, 2026, 6:00-8:00 p.m.: National Night Out at the Burlington riverfront area.
- August 2026: Multiple traffic changes were expected north of Mediapolis as road construction progressed.
- August 17, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Additional immunization clinic for seventh- and twelfth-grade students.
- August 20, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Additional pre-K immunization clinic.
- August 20, 2026: Anticipated closing date discussed for the Douglas Avenue property transactions, subject to completion of abstracts and title work.
- August 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Additional immunization clinic for seventh- and twelfth-grade students.
- Late August 2026: Conservation planned a full-moon paddle at the lake identified during the meeting, with residents directed to county programming information for details.
- Through approximately October 2026: The ammunition plant's Middletown gate was expected to be affected by construction, with traffic shifted to another access point.
- Next step on Jake brakes: County officials are expected to prepare ordinance language. Formal readings and other required procedures would occur before any enforceable restriction is established.
- Next step on data center: County officials will continue evaluating information concerning utility capacity, water, environmental impacts, infrastructure, zoning, safety, taxes, and potential expansion. No final 25-megawatt expansion approval was established in the meeting materials.
- DESK director recruitment: Applications were due later in the week of the meeting, with advisory-board review expected to begin the following Monday.
Key Takeaways
- The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on August 4, 2026, in Burlington.
- The amended agenda included financial claims, property matters, tax suspensions, personnel actions, reports, a proclamation, and meeting minutes.
- Accounts payable totaled $990,771.83, including $654,167.70 in checks and $336,604.13 in wire transfers.
- The Board approved a fireworks permit for 34 Raceway.
- The Board approved extensions for two Douglas Avenue property closings.
- Staff anticipated an August 20 closing after completion of abstracts and title work.
- Two property-tax suspension requests under Iowa Code 427.9 were approved.
- Those taxes were delayed, not forgiven.
- The Board proclaimed August 4, 2026, National Night Out in Des Moines County.
- The Sheriff's Office reported 94 people in the jail, including 24 from outside the county.
- Additional back-to-school immunization clinics were announced for August 17, August 20, and August 21.
- County crews were working on Pleasant Grove Road.
- The ammunition plant was expected to shift traffic because of work affecting its Middletown access.
- Significant construction-related traffic changes were expected north of Mediapolis during August.
- Conservation continued work involving the Big Muddy building and a possible trail connection.
- The Board approved two Sheriff's Office personnel actions and one IT personnel action.
- The Board approved the July 28, 2026 regular meeting minutes.
- A post-meeting work session addressed Jake brake noise near Sullivan Slough Road.
- Officials directed staff to develop an ordinance framework, but no Jake brake ordinance was finally adopted at this meeting.
- A second work session examined an existing approximately 4.25-megawatt Bitcoin-mining/data-center operation and a possible expansion to 25 megawatts.
- The company described a potential full expansion as roughly a $300 million-plus infrastructure and construction project; this was an estimate, not an approved county expenditure.
- The company estimated roughly 18 direct operating jobs, plus supporting contractor and service work.
Official Sources
About the Public Body
- Name: Des Moines County Board of Supervisors
- Organization type: county
- Government body: county-boards
- Location: Burlington, iowa
- County: Des Moines County
- Provider: neapolitan-board
Keywords
Des Moines County Board of Supervisors, Burlington Iowa, county government, regular meeting, August 4 2026, accounts payable, payroll reimbursement, 34 Raceway, Douglas Avenue, property taxes, Iowa Code 427.9, National Night Out, Veterans Affairs, Sheriff's Office, county jail, immunization clinics, Pleasant Grove Road, Mediapolis road construction, ammunition plant traffic, Big Muddy building, conservation, trail connection, Jake brake ordinance, Sullivan Slough Road, data center, Bitcoin mining, electrical capacity, water use, county infrastructure, economic development
