ST. CHARLES, Mo. — St. Charles County’s proposed timetable for writing data-center rules now stretches beyond its existing construction pause, making another County Council vote the immediate decision facing officials.

County Executive Steve Ehlmann is seeking a six-month extension of the moratorium that expires at the end of January. Public information sessions originally expected this fall have been moved to January and April, according to the county’s November 4 update. No data-center proposal is currently pending, officials said.

January’s session is intended to examine electricity demand, grid capacity, water use, cooling, noise, land use and fiscal effects. Residents may attend and submit written comments. April’s meeting would present findings and draft legislation, with public questions and comments.

The regulations would still require Planning and Zoning review, a public hearing and council action. The county says public-health restrictions could apply throughout the county rather than only in unincorporated areas.

The extension remains a request, not an approved change. Meeting locations and additional details are expected in December.