Photo credit: Midland County Facebook page

What happened: The Midland County Commissioners Court met for about 30 minutes on Tuesday, Dec. 16, approving several routine items, including law enforcement equipment, road safety, staffing, and emergency planning.

Key points:

  • Hazard mitigation planning: The court formally adopted the Midland County Hazard Mitigation Action Plan, a FEMA grant-funded document developed over nearly two years in partnership with the City of Midland, Midland College, Midland ISD, Greenwood ISD, and the hospital district. The county says you can find the plan soon in the Emergency Management section of the Midland County website.

The plan identifies local risks such as severe weather, flooding, and infrastructure failures and outlines steps agencies can take to reduce damage before disasters occur. Adoption of the plan allows participating jurisdictions to remain eligible for state and federal hazard-mitigation grants.

  • Sheriff’s Office: Commissioners approved the purchase of 36 additional Flock Safety cameras for the Midland County Sheriff’s Office, bringing the total to 52 cameras. The cameras capture license plate numbers and vehicle characteristics, which deputies use to investigate crimes, locate stolen vehicles, and track suspects after incidents. The purchase did not require additional budget funding.
  • West County Road 120: The court approved installing “No Parking” signs along West County Road 120 between South County Road 1232 and South County Road 1210 after receiving complaints about 18-wheelers parking along the roadway.
  • Emergency Management: Commissioners approved a pay increase for an investigator position within Emergency Management. County officials said the adjustment reflects the employee’s experience and a delayed hiring process due to vehicle availability. The position likely involves documenting disasters and helping the county meet state and federal requirements tied to emergency response and reimbursement funding.