Duos Edge proposes small AI "edge" pod on county land; court takes information only

Representatives from Region 16 and Duos Edge briefed the Potter County Commissioner’s Court on July 14 about a proposed lease/licensing arrangement to locate an edge data center pod adjacent to the Santa Fe Building at 810 South Tyler Street in downtown Amarillo. Michael Keough, who said he represents Region 16 (education/telecom partnership), told the court, “We are working in partnership with Duos Edge AI,” and described how the company’s SOC 2-compliant pods would add secure edge infrastructure in the Panhandle. Derek Chriswell identified himself as a Duos Edge representative and explained the unit’s modest footprint and security fencing plan. County officials clarified the property history: Judge Tanner said the parcel had earlier been made available during efforts to secure land for a state facility and had been previously leased to WT and informally gifted to Walter Windler for parking; the county holds authority to lease the parcel now. County staff and the county attorney raised legal and procurement questions about permitting public land use and whether the county should require payment or a licensing agreement rather than an unremunerated use of public property. The county attorney said procurement and lease rules in the Government Code must be followed (as referenced by counsel). Duos Edge and Region 16 staff described potential community benefits: the pod would provide SOC 2-level secure connectivity in the downtown “internet drain” location where many regional fiber routes converge and could support schools and city systems. Keough said the pod at Region 16’s facility currently behind its Bell Street building had about 18 cabinets, and “they charge about $1,800 per month on a cabinet” — an example used to estimate commercial pricing, not a county commitment. The court did not act on a lease at the meeting and took the presentation as informational. Judges and commissioners asked staff to pursue formal procurement and compensation options (lease or licensing) and to return with a contract or proposal if Duos Edge and county counsel reach terms.