Webster County

County Adopts Six-Month Moratorium

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Webster County Commission Issues Statement Regarding Temporary Development Moratorium

WEBSTER COUNTY, MISSOURI — June 16, 2026 — Based on public input and after seeking advice, the Webster County Commission adopted a temporary six-month moratorium relating to certain developments in the unincorporated areas of Webster County, including data centers, solar energy systems, wind energy conversion systems, and battery energy storage systems.

Full text of the Order can be found HERE.

The purpose of the proposed moratorium is not to stop any project that is already under construction. The County is aware of the data center development currently under construction in the Rifle Range Road area. Based on the information presently available, the County does not intend to use the proposed moratorium as a basis to halt that project, and the County recognizes that its legal authority with respect to a project already under construction is limited.

At the same time, the Commission believes it is appropriate and responsible to pause future development of other potential projects for a limited period while the County studies their potential impacts. Webster County does not currently have countywide planning and zoning. As a result, the County must carefully evaluate what tools, if any, are legally available and appropriate to address issues such as public health and safety, emergency response, stormwater runoff, noise, water and electrical usage, effects on neighboring properties, and impacts on local infrastructure.

The proposed moratorium is intended to give the County time to gather information, consult with experts and legal counsel, communicate with utility providers and emergency responders, hear from residents and property owners, and consider reasonable options for future projects. The County’s goal is to balance the interests of residents, landowners, developers, businesses, and the broader public.

“The Commission understands that these issues involve competing interests,” the County Commission stated. “We recognize that the right to own and use private property is a fundamental constitutional right, and any action taken by this Commission must respect that right. At the same time, we take seriously the concerns of our residents regarding public health, safety, infrastructure, and emergency management. Webster County has always believed in limited, responsible government that does not regulate beyond what is truly necessary. This temporary moratorium is not intended to expand government authority or prejudge any particular project-it is simply a measured step to ensure we have the information needed to act wisely, fairly, and with the least intrusion necessary.”

The Commission emphasizes that no final long-term regulatory framework has been adopted. During the moratorium period, the County will study available options and consider whether any future regulations are legally permissible, practical, and in the best interests of Webster County.

Residents and interested stakeholders are encouraged to follow County Commission meetings and participate in the public process as these issues are reviewed.

Senior Tax Freeze

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Homeowners in Webster County who are 62 years of age or older have until 5pm on Tuesday, June 30th to apply for a “Senior Property Tax Freeze” on their owner-occupied residential real estate taxes.

Webster County’s Senior Property Tax Credit program was launched in 2025.  During that first year, the Webster County Clerk’s Office received over 2000 applications.  Almost all were “auto-renewed” earlier this year.  Those renewed taxpayers were notified with a white postcard mailed to them in April.

If you applied for the tax freeze in 2025, but did not receive a postcard stating your application was automatically renewed, you should contact the County Clerk’s office at 417-859-8683 before June 30th.

If you did not apply in 2025, you’ll need to come in person to the County Clerk’s office and fill out a new application by June 30th.  The eligibility requirements are: you must be age 62 or above (effective January 1 of this year); you must own your home; and you must be current on your property taxes.  New applicants should bring copies of: driver’s license (proof of age); voter information card (proof of residency); and a copy of their paid property tax receipt.

The tax credit only applies to the owner-occupied residential real estate portion of your property taxes – not commercial property, rental properties, or personal property such as vehicles, etc.

For more information, you can call the the County Clerk’s office at 417-859-8683 or email [email protected] .

Commission – Data Center Update – May 21

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May 21, 2026

The Webster County Commission would like to offer the public another in a series of updates regarding a data center project currently under construction on Rifle Range Road in rural Webster County – north and east of the City of Marshfield.

The Commission has contacted a number of federal and state regulatory agencies to ensure procedures are being followed, and to educate themselves further about the potential impacts stemming from the project.

In an earlier statement, the Commission pledged to share information from these agencies with the public; therefore, the two reports received thus far – one received from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the other from the Missouri Dept. of Conservation – are available here:

In addition, the Commission travelled to McDonald County on Monday, May 18th to see a data center there.  We want to stress that the facility there is not the same as what is being built locally; however, the Commission felt it is within reasonable travel distance and might give some perspective on issues such as noise levels, etc.  Members of the public have asked that we share video taken during that visit, and so they are available here:

The Commission will continue to conduct business during its regular office hours on Monday and Tuesday mornings (excluding holidays) and will dedicate two specific half-hour timeslots on the agenda each session day for public comment on the subject.  We ask that groups be limited to no more than ten people due to having limited space available.

Thank you.

Commission Accepting Board Applications

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The Webster County Commission is accepting applications for an unexpired term of the Board of Directors of “Senate Bill 40 / WC Partners” – which administers local property tax funds used for maintaining a sheltered workshop and providing housing for individuals with developmental disabilities.

This appointment is for an unexpired term, ending June 30, 2026.

Applications will be accepted from now until 5pm on Monday, November 17th – and may be obtained HERE or by contacting the Webster County Clerk’s Office at: [email protected] .

Preference may be given to applicants related to individuals with developmental disabilities.  For more information, contact the County Commission at: 417-859-4250.

Thank you.

Application Period Opens for Webster County Opioid Fund Grants

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The Webster County Commission will be accepting applications for Opioid Fund grants from now until October 1st.  Non-profit organizations (including political subdivisions and faith-based organizations) are eligible to apply.

Details about the new grant program can be found HERE.

The link to applications is HERE.

For more details, email the Webster County Clerk’s Office at: [email protected] .

Thank you.

New Polling Location – Fordland Township

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The polling place for Fordland Township is changing.  Due to space, parking, and other concerns, citizens who formerly voted at the Fordland school will be voting at a new location on November 5th – the Fordland Free Will Baptist Church (936 W. Main St., Fordland).

For more information, call : 417-859-VOTE (8683).

Thank you.