Prineville approves up to $150,000 appraisal for data centers; mayor recuses over spouse’s employment

The Prineville City Council voted to approve an intent to award appraisal services to CBRE for up to $150,000 to support analysis of data center facilities and potential future tax‑revenue implications.

Caroline Irvin, director of strategy and economic development, presented the staff recommendation, saying three firms submitted proposals and the scoring team rated CBRE highest (95 points). “It is my recommendation as staff that we move forward with the intent to award to CBRE for an amount not to exceed $150,000,” Irvin said.

Council members raised a potential conflict of interest because CBRE is a large firm with local subcontracting ties; one council member asked whether CBRE was active on the city’s Meta site. Irvin acknowledged the relationship and said the branch doing the appraisal is separate and that the scoring team considered firewalls and conflict‑mitigation measures. Irvin said she did not know at the time the award committee selected CBRE that Mayor Beebe’s wife worked for CBRE.

Mayor Beebe disclosed that his wife works for CBRE and said he would recuse himself from the vote: “My wife works for CBRE. So, I will stay out of the vote,” he said. Council proceeded with the motion after the mayor recused; the motion passed.

Staff said the appraisal will help the city better understand potential future tax revenue from data center facilities and that CBRE was chosen following a competitive process. The council’s motion was recorded as an intent to award; staff will finalize contracting and return with any required documentation.