Duos Edge representatives presented an informational proposal on Aug. 11 to place a small “edge” data center on county property near the Petroleum Building in Amarillo, citing low power use and local data storage benefits for businesses and institutions that currently must send data to larger cities.

Dave Irick, vice president of business development for Duos Edge, said the unit would be a small, self‑contained facility (about 2,600 square feet, roughly the size of 10 parking spaces) with modest power needs “roughly the size of two large homes.” He told the court the company has placed a similar unit at Region 16 and uses that location for education and local AI compute services. “This is a very small scale application … bringing compute and capabilities to areas that don’t have them,” Irick said.

Irick said the company would seek a long‑term lease on a corner of the county parking lot by Southwest Ninth Avenue and Tyler; the proposal includes options for the county to receive a rack of data center space at no charge as part of the lease. He offered a sample commercial lease figure of $1,500 per month, and said Duos Edge can provide county access to rack space and operations. He also said the company could extend perimeter fencing in the alleyway behind the Petroleum Building if the city desired improved security for fiber infrastructure.

Commissioners asked about public benefit, duration (Irick said he typically seeks a 10‑year lease with two five‑year renewal options), compensation to the county, and whether the county could charge property taxes on equipment installed by third‑party customers. County staff asked Duos Edge to provide formal contract documents and to coordinate with Jackson Latimer (county attorney/staff contact) on lease terms. The court took no formal action; Irick said he would send contract drafts and follow up with county staff. Commissioners signaled interest in negotiating terms that yield a clear public benefit and some revenue to the county.