Stop Madison Co Bio Dump

05/15/2026

Legislation regarding Data Centers.

Ohio is one of the top states for data centers, with around 200 already built and more on the way. But people around those facilities and future sites are sounding the alarm about their land and water use, utility costs and jobs created, and some communities have enacted moratoriums on new data centers. The data center industry is starting to push back. Two Republican state lawmakers said they’re putting together a joint committee to look into those citizen concerns and how the companies building those data centers are responding. https://wosu.pm/490IKEg

05/15/2026

Brian Stewart, State Representative supported stopping the bio digester project.

05/07/2026

information you should know.

Ohio Farm Bureau is urging its members to contact their Ohio legislators to ask them to repeal the Data Center Sales Tax Exemption.

05/07/2026

You may want to attend this meeting.

UPDATE:
We heard from our county members and have decided to make this meeting OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
While a Farm Bureau membership is not required to attend, we hope you’ll see the value in becoming a member and the benefits it provides (like this meeting with a subject matter expert)!

ATTN: Madison County Farm Bureau Members -

AEP Ohio has announced plans for the Patina-Mirkwood Transmission Project, a new 11-mile, 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line. Madison County Farm Bureau is hosting a community briefing on the proposed project to help you navigate the potential impact and understand your rights as a landowner. Dale Arnold, OFBF Director of Energy Policy, will be our featured speaker for the evening.

🗓 Tuesday, May 12 | 6:30 PM 📍 Plainview School Gymnasium (8270 Amish Pike Rd, Plain City)

Interested in becoming a member? Join at ofbf.org/join or call 614-876-1274 to pay over the phone.

Visit the project website: https://www.aeptransmission.com/ohio/Patina-Mirkwood/

Submit public comments to AEP until Friday, May 15 (bottom of page): https://www.aeptransmission.com/ohio/Patina-Mirkwood/

04/11/2026

In biodigester news

https://www.wastedive.com/news/usda-extends-anaerobic-digester-funding-pause-as-review-continues/816805/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue%3A+2026-04-07+Waste+Dive+Newsletter+%5Bissue%3A83590%5D&utm_term=Waste+Dive&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHjutdPZBoXsG_TC1OHCoc-TIPk2Wn_K3IjuFulyh3-9py8b7JU98sYmWrjbn_aem_C8pKxFMsLphl9Sd201_kAA

The federal agency's pause on loan guarantees for new on-farm projects will extend past the 90-day deadline and will now go through the end of the year.

03/23/2026

There is always something going on. Keep track of the data centers, there may be one coming near you.

Follow the money behind America's data center boom. Track 1,000+ projects, PAC spending, and the politicians who sign off on it.

02/18/2026

THIS PAGE WOULD IMPLORE NEIGHBORS TO CONSIDER THE WATER ISSUES ON THIS ROAD PRIOR TO APPLYING FOR BUILDING PERMITS!!
Fairfield/Jefferson Township Madison County Ohio. Meeting March 2, 2026 7:30 at Engineer office (st rt 42 behind McDonalds). Discussion regarding a Buddist Temple proposed to be built on Sparling Rd. West Jefferson Ohio. see attached.

11/03/2025

Fairfield Township Madison County Ohio.
Question 8

Robert Howard (Candidate)
Day-to-Day Trustee Duties
● Trustees handle tasks such as cemetery maintenance, mowing, and assisting with funerals. How comfortable are you with these practical responsibilities, and how would you ensure
they’re carried out reliably?
I am very comfortable in assisting with the various township responsibilities. I would have no problem helping out or doing my share. I have a good mechanical ability to fix things.
I think it is a good idea to know how the entire system works in case someone is not able to help or may be out of town.
Jeff Marshall would be a valuable resource to ask questions or
advice from. I am sure that between the trustees and the employees of the township, day to day operations will run smoothly.
Township residents should choose to elect me because my support doesn’t end November 5th. Just like I have my entire life
as a resident of this township, I promise to serve and support my
neighbors just like I will continue to do for the rest of my life.
I believe that I am unique in my commitment to treat everyone equally, fairly, and with the utmost respect.

With no personal or business ties to any current trustees, I will represent the interests of the community without bias or influence. During each conversation with residents of this township, I am sharing my promise to them as their township trustee, if elected:
I pledge to be available to you as your trustee and your neighbor. If township residents have a concern or just need help, please
reach out and I will do my best to help in any way that I can.
Neighbors first. Always.

Brenton Robertson (Candidate)
Day-to-Day Trustee Duties
Trustees handle tasks such as cemetery maintenance, mowing, and assisting with funerals. How comfortable are you with these practical responsibilities, and how would you ensure they’re carried out reliably?
I am fully committed to carrying out the day-to-day responsibilities of a Township Trustee. I love this community, and it would be an honor to serve and give back to the place that means so much to me. I ask for your support and your vote this November, so I can dedicate the next four years to proving my commitment to the residents of Fairfield Township.

Steve Denes (Current Trustee)
Day-to-Day Trustee Duties
Trustees handle tasks such as cemetery maintenance, mowing, and assisting with funerals. How comfortable are you with these practical responsibilities, and how would you ensure they’re carried out reliably?
I'm very comfortable in the duties required by Township Trustees. We have no full-time employees. All tasks are done by 3 very good part-time employees. One mows roadsides, one mows cemeteries and Twp grounds and one runs the snow plow. All of these activities are assisted with by the 3 trustees. Any other activities are done by Trustees, such as funerals and burials. I've been completing these tasks for the last 20 years.

10/31/2025

Fairfield Township Madison County Ohio.
Question 7

Steve Denes (Current Trustee)
Infrastructure & Grants
Are you willing to research and pursue state or federal grants to improve township infrastructure such as roads, drainage, and public facilities?
We have used grants numerous times, purchasing and razing the old Fairfield school building, building a shelter house in its footprint. Building another shelter house at the township house and restoration of worn and torn headstones at our cemeteries.

Communities like Lilly Chapel and Big Plain may eventually require a public sewer system. How would you approach planning for those needs?
If our rural subdivisions would eventually need public sewer, that would be covered by the Mid-Ohio Water and Sewer District. They have used grants in similar cases such as Summerford and Lafayette to do just that.

Robert Howard (Candidate)
Infrastructure & Grants
● Are you willing to research and pursue state or federal grants to improve township
infrastructure such as roads, drainage, and public facilities?
● Communities like Lilly Chapel and Big Plain may eventually require a public sewer
system. How would you approach planning for those needs?

Free money is still the best kind of money. I would be willing to look for grants for things to improve the township.
Perhaps a committee could be formed to work with the
township fiscal officer to better seek these opportunities.
Other townships may have their own experiences that
could be shared with us. It would be our job, as trustees
together with the fiscal officer, to become informed and seek out resources that are available to us.

If Lilly Chapel or Big Plain needed civil services our county engineer and commissioners would definitely take the lead on that. But the trustees would be an integral part of the process, working closely with all involved to make sure the needs and concerns of our residents are met.


Brenton Robertson (Candidate)
Infrastructure & Grants
Are you willing to research and pursue state or federal grants to improve township infrastructure such as roads, drainage, and public facilities?
I’ve already been learning from neighboring townships and our current township trustees about state and federal grants, and I’ll actively pursue those opportunities to improve our roads, drainage, and public facilities!

Communities like Lilly Chapel and Big Plain may eventually require a public sewer system. How would you approach planning for those needs?
At this time, I don’t believe a public sewer system has been a major concern in communities like Lilly Chapel or Big Plain. However, if it were to become an issue, I would work closely with the county to ensure that every resident has access to a proper and safe sewer system. My focus would be on planning responsibly, keeping residents informed, and making sure any solution protects both public health and the rural character of our township.

10/27/2025

Fairfield Township Madison County Ohio.
Question 6.

Robert Howard (Candidate)
Annexation & Growth important question as we boarder Franklin County towards Grove City.

● What is your stance on annexation of township land by neighboring cities (for example, situations similar to Dublin’s expansion into Darby Township)?
The annexation of a township would be a pretty big deal and not something that would take place over night.
The county prosecutor would provide legal counsel and the
county commissioners would definitely be involved in decision making. We would need to be aggressive in fighting for the needs of the residents of Fairfield Township while listening to the requests of those involved.
I talked to a trustee from Fayette County who had experience
with this type of issue. One of his suggestions was making sure in possible annexations that the township had a positive impact
from any agreement that is reached such as receiving property
tax revenue for a given amount of time. In this scenario, that
property that was annexed can still help cover expenses for the township for a certain span of time.

● What actions can the trustees take to protect Fairfield Township from unwanted annexation or to guide growth responsibly?
The trustees are the direct connection between the residents of the township and the county commissioners.
I believe that a good line of communication between the two is
the best line of defense to help prevent another “digester bombshell” going off. I have worked effectively with trustees,
the EPA, the Army Corp of Engineers, and State
Representatives to resolve a drainage issue that promoted both agricultural productivity and environmental responsibility on our farm. I feel like I can do the same for Fairfield Township.
From this I learned that there is a happy medium where two sides can work together to reach an agreement that is beneficial for all.
It seems just a few years ago I could pull up to my road from my driveway, look both ways , and then pull out and be on my way.
Present day, after I look both ways I wait for multiple cars to pass by. Now we have a steady supply of semi delivery trucks, service
vehicles, boats and RVs all day long. And when there is an accident on 71, that’s when the traffic really starts to pile up.
Looking through my crystal ball, the next issues facing
Fairfield township could be some sort of waste handling facility, a government subsidized energy program, or a communication
and technology center. I am by no means completely against these, but for the most part Fairfield Township is a place to live, play, and grow crops.
People move here to leave Columbus behind, not to start a
new neighborhood, or live in an industrial site.
Let’s just proceed with caution.

Steve Denes (Current Trustee)
Annexation & Growth
What is your stance on annexation of township land by neighboring cities (for example, situations similar to Dublin’s expansion into Darby Township)?
I am opposed to annexation of any township by neighboring cities.

What actions can the trustees take to protect Fairfield Township from unwanted annexation or to guide growth responsibly?
It's hard to speculate on future annexation. I represent Fairfield Twp on Madison County's Regional Planning Commission. I feel I'm "In the know".

Brenton Robertson (Candidate)
Annexation & Growth
What is your stance on annexation of township land by neighboring cities (for example, situations similar to Dublin’s expansion into Darby Township)?
As I’ve expressed many times before, and as proven through my service as President of the Madison County Farm Bureau Board, I am deeply committed to preserving and protecting agriculture. Growth will continue in neighboring areas, but Fairfield Township is unique, we do not border any cities, towns, or villages, so annexation is not a major concern at this time. What is a concern, however, is protecting our farmland and rural character. If elected, I will continue to fight to preserve the farmland of Fairfield Township and ensure our community remains a place where agriculture can thrive.

What actions can the trustees take to protect Fairfield Township from unwanted annexation or to guide growth responsibly?
Trustees can work closely with our county commissioners and the zoning board to ensure Fairfield Township is protected from unwanted growth or annexation. Just as important, trustees must communicate openly with residents, listen to their concerns, and serve as a true voice for the people. Responsible growth requires both strong partnerships with county officials and a commitment to keeping our community informed and involved.

10/22/2025

Fairfield Township Madison County Ohio.
Questions 5 speaks for itself considering what we went through last September 2024.

Brenton Robertson (Candidate)
Major Land-Use & Industrial Projects
If a large-scale project—such as a biodigester, solar farm, data center, or other industrial facility—were proposed, how would you:
notify residents early?
As stated above communication will not be a problem, every resident will be informed in a timely manner of any township news.

include them in decision-making, and balance the interests
of farmers and landowners with concerns of nearby residents?
If a large-scale project were proposed, my responsibility as Trustee would be to carefully consider both the rights of landowners and the concerns of surrounding residents. Property owners have the right to use their land, but at the same time, the township must protect the health, safety, and quality of life of the broader community. I believe the best way to strike that balance is through open communication, early transparency, and making sure residents have a strong voice in the process. My role would be to listen, gather all the facts, and ensure that decisions reflect what is best for the township as a whole.

What is your personal view on solar or similar industrial uses within the township?
My personal view on solar farms and other large industrial uses is simple, enough is enough. Fairfield Township is a great place to live, with beautiful landscapes and farmland that our residents value and want to preserve. I will fight to protect this township so that people can continue living in a community they are proud to call home. What’s been done in the past is behind us, but the future is in our hands. Together, we can keep Fairfield Township the kind of place we all love to live in.

Robert Howard (Candidate)
Major Land-Use & Industrial Projects
● If a large-scale project—such as a biodigester, solar farm, data center, or other industrial facility—were proposed, how would you:
○ notify residents early,
○ include them in decision-making, and
○ balance the interests of farmers and landowners with concerns of nearby
residents?
● What is your personal view on solar or similar industrial uses within the township?
Establishing effective social media and utilizing the township website are fast and easy ways to notify the residents of
this township of current topics. For large scale issues there would be discussions held at monthly meetings where the public
could come to weigh in their opinion and concerns. Keeping
open lines of communication keeps things running smoothly.
My family was approached by a solar company to enroll our farm or part of it in solar panels.
This was just something we weren’t interested in on our farm, but for others it seemed a good fit.
I believe there will be other energy projects, data centers, or
warehouse proposals on the horizon. I think an open mind approach should always be the first priority.
There may be a good fit for something somewhere that could bring housing, jobs, or an income for our township.
Taking the time to involve residents in the process and decisions
that could impact their lives is important.
Welcoming input from our neighbors allows us to see the proposal from the view of others. Informing the public
early would allow time for continued discussion and education about the issue. I believe trustees should make a decision based
on what is best for the township, not his or her personal opinion.

Steve Denes (Current Trustee)
Major Land-Use & Industrial Projects
If a large-scale project—such as a biodigester, solar farm, data center, or other industrial facility—were proposed, how would you:
Notify residents early,
I feel that if future issues arise in the township there needs to be a concerted effort to work with County Commissioner and other involved agencies to make sure a mass mailing is done, and would hope the use of social media would also be a good option.

Include them in decision-making, and
A lot of decisions are made by Township Trustees. We were elected by the people to serve in their best interest and that is what we always attempt to do.

Balance the interests of farmers and landowners with concerns of nearby residents?
I feel very strongly about Property Right. Property owners have the right to do what they want, as long as it is within the law and meets all zoning requirements.

What is your personal view on solar or similar industrial uses within the township?
My personal view on Solar is, the quest for alternative energy sources needs to be done in a responsible manner. Large scale solar replacing valuable farmland is not the answer.