Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets says she still has “a lot of unanswered questions” about a proposed data center project near the city and is urging residents to stay engaged as the discussion continues.
Mayor: Questions, no new movement on data center
Sheets told WILO’s “Party Line” program that, since issuing a public statement several weeks ago, she has not received additional information from the company that has expressed interest in a data center in the Frankfort area. She said city officials asked for details on “the financial impact, also environmental,” and requested public meetings so residents could ask questions directly, but “I have not heard back from them on any of those things at this time.”
“The biggest thing I wanted when I put that statement out was just to let my constituents [know] they’re still, you know, talking about they’re interested in the city of Frankfort,” Sheets said, adding that she still has “a lot of concerns” and believes “there’s a lot of things we need to have answered and we need to understand.”
Sheets emphasized that any formal proposal would have to move through several layers of local review. She said a plan would first go to the city Plan Commission for approval or denial, and she understands it would also have to go before the county Drainage Board and the Airport Authority. If incentives or tax abatements are requested, “that would have to go before our city council,” she said. “They would be the ones that would vote…that is totally, you know, votes that would be taken by Common Council. I don’t vote on council issues…Only if there’s a tie, then I can break that tie, but that very rarely happens.”
Sheets also noted the debate over a separate data center project and related development in Boone County, saying she is aware that, as in Clinton County, “there’s a lot of people that are against that and I know there’s also people that are for it.” She said what bothers her most is “how it divides the community,” adding, “We need to have a community that we can all get along…something comes in and that divisive, that is a huge concern.”
Local control and Statehouse bill
The mayor was asked about Indiana House Bill 1333, which she described as legislation that would allow the state to place projects on agricultural land without the same level of local input. Sheets said her understanding is that the bill “did not pass through” in its current form and that she is relieved.
“Anytime, you know, that local government loses that, that’s a concern of mine,” she said. “Sometimes we know at a local level more what we need than, you know, the state coming in and saying you don’t have to have public hearings, we can decide this for you. I’m all about local government and I’m really glad that it’s, you know, at this point not passing.”
New fire station, firefighters and equipment
Sheets highlighted ongoing public safety investments, including the new fire station planned on State Road 28 West and recent additions to the fire department roster. She said two new firefighters were sworn in Monday night and that the 2026 city budget allows for up to four additional firefighters to staff the new station once it opens.
“One of the reasons is because we’re getting this station out on 28 West,” she said, noting that firefighter training can take “up to six months to a year,” so hiring early will help ensure crews are ready when the facility opens. She said the project remains on schedule and, “weather permitting,” the city is “on track for a September grand opening,” with walls already going up at the site.
The mayor also announced that a new fire truck is expected to arrive soon. She said the truck is fully paid for through a combination of federal ARPA funds and assistance from the city’s Redevelopment Commission. “That makes me happy,” Sheets said. “That’s always good when you can get a new piece of equipment and it is paid for.”
Praising city departments after recent incidents
Sheets used part of the program to publicly commend city employees for recent responses to local emergencies, including reported gas leaks and a situation at Walmart that brought a large police and fire presence.
“Where do I begin? I am so proud of our departments,” she said. “We have officers…that are here to serve and protect us and they’re putting their life on the line. They’re out there not knowing what they’re going to get into.” She called Frankfort’s firefighters “amazing” and said she values the department’s emphasis on ongoing training “not only for our citizens but also for the safety of our firefighters.”
The mayor also praised the street department for its work during recent winter storms, saying crews “worked 24/7 during that snowstorm to keep our streets clear” while still collecting trash. “They don’t grumble about it,” she said. “They just know that’s their job and that’s what they’re going to have to do.” She credited the parks department for keeping areas cleared during the Festival of Lights and preparing for spring maintenance, including hanging baskets, mowing and park cleanup.
Community events, parks and economic development
Sheets reported strong turnout at the recent “Muffins with the Mayor” event, estimating “maybe 30-some people” attended to hear department updates and ask questions. “It’s what I love to see,” she said. “People out from the community coming in, finding out what’s going on in our different departments in our community.”
Looking ahead to warmer weather, Sheets said she is “really excited” about activity planned at Prairie Creek Park and neighborhood parks this summer, including at least one dance in smaller parks and events with food trucks. She said contracts have been approved for the Raíces Festival, summer concerts, Downtown Tune Nights and movie nights, and encouraged residents to attend, reminding them that “they’re free…come on out and enjoy.”
The mayor also previewed her annual State of the City address, which she said is planned for March 31 at the Frankfort Community Public Library. The event will include department reports and financial information to show “where we were [in] ’25 and as we move forward,” along with some of her goals for the coming year.
Sheets said she remains focused on “the right kind” of economic development, including new industry and small businesses, while supporting existing local shops and restaurants. “We need to grow but we need to grow in the right way and something that’s going to be good for our community,” she said, adding that she wants residents to “know that we are a loving, caring community” and that city leadership “work really hard for them” as Frankfort heads into spring and summer.
WILO station manager Cindy Loveless and Party Line Producer Carl Gingerich hosted the Program, which was also broadcast on Boone 102.7 FM and HoosierlandTV.com.