i9 investigation: Documents show Palo negotiated with Google while publicly downplaying involvement

PALO, Iowa (KCRG) – Documents obtained through an open records request show Palo city leaders worked with Google for months on a proposed data center annexation, despite public statements suggesting limited involvement in the project.

Meanwhile, Linn County supervisors accused Google of blindsiding them by moving to annex the proposed site to Palo. The annexation would avoid regulations and economic demands that the county had insisted on for the project.

Despite these developments, Palo city leaders have refused interview requests since Google made the announcement a month ago. At a public information meeting last week, Mayor Brian Busch said the city was still learning about the project and promised transparency.

City approved Google agreement in December

Public documents show Palo approved an agreement in December for Google to cover the city’s costs to study what is called “Project Meridian.” A separate invoice notes legal services in January tied to a “Google Annexation…