# Franklin County Declines Data Center Counsel Proposal

Franklin County, Missouri, commissioners did not approve a proposed agreement to retain former county counselor Mark Vincent for legal advice on data-center matters. The proposal called for a $25,000 flat fee plus $400 per hour for additional work; County Clerk Tim Baker questioned the approval process, funding source, and Vincent’s qualifications. The agreement was not awarded, although the county later approved data-center rezonings and regulations.

- The proposed fee terms are not an awarded contract or current work opportunity; firms should not treat them as an active solicitation.
- For county legal-services procurements, this case highlights the importance of a clear approval process, identified funding, and documented qualifications—issues raised about this proposal.
- The later zoning and regulatory approvals provide context for data-center development in the county, but do not establish a separate procurement opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Published:** October 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- Franklin County Commission
- Franklin County Clerk's Office
- Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission

### Sources
- [Mark Vincent refutes claims over Franklin County data center agreement | News | missourian.com](https://www.missourian.com/news/mark-vincent-refutes-claims-over-franklin-county-data-center-agreement/article_20f887a4-9e52-4bfa-97d4-a8e7919ca8a3.html) - Missourian | Washington, MO