What does a County Counselor actually do? How are major development projects evaluated? And what exactly are data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS)?

In this episode of In the Know with SNCO, Shawnee County Public Information Officer Amanda Monhollon sits down with County Counselor Rich Eckert to answer these questions and provide insight into some of the county's most talked-about topics.

Rich discusses the responsibilities of the County Counselor's Office, including providing legal guidance to the Board of County Commissioners, reviewing contracts, supporting county departments, and assisting with elections. He also explains how economic development projects move through the county process and why confidentiality is often necessary during the early stages of business recruitment.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into data centers and battery energy storage systems, including what they are, why companies are interested in Shawnee County, how permitting decisions are made, and the questions county officials consider before any project moves forward.

Whether you're interested in local government, economic development, or simply want to better understand the discussions happening in our community, this episode offers valuable insight into the process behind the decisions.

Topics covered: