FRANKFORT, Ind. — Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets confirmed this week that at least one data center developer remains interested in bringing a project to the city, months after Clinton County officials rejected a similar proposal, even as she acknowledged the plan has drawn mixed reactions from residents.
Sheets discussed the potential development, along with the sale of the former YMCA and CORE building and looming concerns over state tax legislation, during an appearance on WILO’s “Party Line” program Friday morning.
Data Center Talks Continue
Sheets said developers have not abandoned plans to locate in Frankfort, even though Clinton County previously turned down a data center proposal. She said no agreements have been signed, but conversations are ongoing regarding a roughly 115-acre parcel near Con Agra inside city limits, along with other nearby tracts.
“I think Clinton County, you know, turned them down here a while back, but I will tell you that they’re still interested,” Sheets said. “We’re still getting communications with them that they’re interested in coming to Frankfort.”
Sheets said she has heard from residents on both sides of the issue and encouraged people to contact city council members directly. She noted any project would need to weigh financial benefits against environmental and community impact, and clarified that approval authority rests with the Frankfort City Council, not her office.
“It really is a vote by the city council,” Sheets said. “Sure I have input to it but I don’t really have a vote on that unless there is a tie.”
Former YMCA Building Sold
Sheets also addressed the recent purchase of the former YMCA-CORE building by CCEAF (Clinton County Economic Development Foundation) calling the sale a welcome development for a facility that had sat vacant since the CORE and daycare center closed. She said the building will require significant renovation, including work on its pool, but expressed hope that might partner with another non-profit to run the facility.
“I did not want that building just to sit out there and just, you know, nothing going on because it’s a great building,” Sheets said. “I’m very happy that we’re able to at least start the negotiations and get something worked out for our community.”
Budget Caution Amid Tax Reform Concerns
With the city entering its annual budget season, Sheets said department heads have been instructed to distinguish between needs and wants as officials brace for the fiscal effects of new state tax legislation affecting property and income tax revenue.
“Until we’re absolutely sure what’s going to happen with this [tax legislation], we’re still trying — we’re going to have to be very conservative,” Sheets said. “We’re gonna have to be cautious about our spending and what we do moving forward. And that’s a concern of mine. It’s a big concern of mine.”
A caller raised concerns during the broadcast about overnight fireworks disturbances and questioned whether Frankfort’s population is being accurately counted in census figures. Concerning the fireworks, Sheets said residents can report to Central Dispatch. Years ago, Sheets said, census counts used to be spearheaded by the State of Indiana. The state is not as active now as they were in the past, and Sheets said concerns about the census can also be directed to other local elected officials. Sheets said a more accurate census would likely help Frankfort and Clinton County in the future.
Summer Events Continue
Sheets highlighted a busy summer schedule, including strong attendance at the city’s aquatic center and splash pad, free Thursday night concerts at Prairie Creek Park, a free outdoor movie screening, and the return of the Frankfort Farmers Market. The program concluded with a reminder to listeners about the upcoming Clinton County Fair, which opens Saturday with a demolition derby Saturday Evening and continues through the following week, along with the Hot Dog Festival, as key drivers of local tourism spending.
“They (visitors to the fair and festivals) see what we have here,” Sheets said of visitors. “And then on down the road, maybe they’ll want to come back and visit again… So it brings a lot of people locally and also outside the local area into our community, and they do spend money.”
