Welcome to Town of Turtle, Rock County! Welcome to Town of Turtle, Rock County!

The Town of Turtle Clerk's Office has received an abundance of phone calls regarding a potential data center development. Many callers have similar questions, so we have compiled the following information to provide residents with accurate, up-to-date answers.

Has the Town of Turtle received an official proposal for a data center?

No. As of this time, the Town has not received an official development proposal, zoning application, or rezoning request from Panattoni or any other developer for a data center project.

Why isn't the Town holding a referendum on the proposed data center?

Wisconsin law does not authorize towns to hold advisory referenda on proposed development projects such as this one. In 2023, the Wisconsin Legislature enacted 2023 Wisconsin Act 12, which limits the subjects on which municipalities may conduct advisory referenda. Because this proposal does not fall within one of the limited exceptions established by state law, the Town does not have the legal authority to place the question on a town-wide advisory referendum.

What did the Town Board approve on July 8, 2026?

On July 8, 2026, the Town Board approved entering into a Cost Reimbursement Agreement with Panattoni, a developer that has expressed interest in a potential data center project within the Town.

The purpose of the agreement is to allow the Town to begin preparing for the possibility that a development proposal may be submitted in the future. This includes obtaining independent professional expertise and conducting research to better understand the potential impacts such a project could have on the Town, its residents, infrastructure, and services.

The agreement allows the Town to recover the costs of this work, including legal expenses incurred to date, from the developer rather than having those expenses paid by Town taxpayers.

Why is the Town taking action before receiving a formal proposal?

Preparing for the possibility of a large development proposal allows the Town to better understand the potential impacts on roads, utilities, emergency services, land use, traffic, environmental considerations, and other community resources before any decisions are made.

Wisconsin law requires the Town give due consideration to all applications that are submitted.  By conducting research early, the Town can make informed decisions based on facts if a proposal is submitted for consideration.

Does the Cost Reimbursement Agreement obligate the Town to approve a project?

No.

The agreement does not commit the Town to approve any development, rezoning request, permit, or future application. It simply establishes a mechanism for reimbursing the Town for expenses incurred while evaluating a potential proposal.

The Town Board retains full authority to review any future applications in accordance with applicable laws, ordinances, and established review processes.

Is the Town Board already committed to approving a data center?

No.

The Town Board has not made any decision regarding whether a data center should or should not be approved. At this time, no formal proposal or zoning application has been submitted to the Town.

The Board's actions to date have been focused on ensuring that, if an application is received, the Town will have the information and professional expertise necessary to evaluate it thoroughly before any decisions are made.

Why did the Town enter into a Cost Reimbursement Agreement?

Large development proposals often require specialized technical review that exceeds the Town's normal operating budget.

The Cost Reimbursement Agreement helps ensure that these review costs are paid by the prospective developer rather than by Town taxpayers.

Who selects the consultants and experts that review a potential project?

The Town selects the professional consultants it determines are necessary to evaluate any future proposal.

Although the Cost Reimbursement Agreement provides for reimbursement of those expenses, the consultants work on behalf of the Town- not the developer- and are retained by the Town to provide independent professional expertise.

Have any zoning related applications been submitted?

No.

As of this time, the Town has not received any applications related to a data center.

If such an application is submitted in the future, it will follow the public review process required by law.

Will the public have an opportunity to comment?

Yes.

Public comments are welcome during Town Board meetings when a public comment period appears on the meeting agenda. Additional public hearings may also be required depending on the type of application submitted.

Meeting agendas are posted in accordance with Wisconsin's Open Meetings Law.

Why is there a time limit for public comments?

The Town Board establishes reasonable time limits for public comments to allow everyone who wishes to speak an equal opportunity while ensuring the Board can complete all scheduled business during the meeting.

The time limit applies equally to all speakers and is intended to promote an orderly and efficient meeting.

Can Town Board members sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) regarding a potential project?

Yes.

Where this may change in the near future, there is no Wisconsin state law or Town ordinance that generally prohibits elected Town Board members from signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Whether an NDA is appropriate or enforceable depends on its specific terms and the requirements of Wisconsin law, including applicable public records and open meetings laws.

This page will be updated as additional information becomes available.