What happened: The Midland County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday, Oct. 6, to delay paying jail medical provider CorrHealth $632,196.50 in staffing costs above its contract cap until the county auditor can review supporting invoices. Commissioners also approved new Horseshoe rental policies, advanced a drainage project involving land owned by Odessa, and approved a nearly $2.9 million road safety contract.

Key points:

  • Jail medical costs: Commissioners considered a $632,196.50 bill in staffing costs to CorrHealth above its contract cap, covering services from last fiscal year. CorrHealth provides medical and mental health services at the county jail and the Barbara Culver Juvenile Justice Center. Sheriff David Criner defended the provider’s performance, but said he did not learn about the staffing overage until September.The auditor’s office said it had received spreadsheets documenting the charges but not the detailed invoices needed to verify them. Commissioner Steven Villela questioned why the company went approximately 12 months without notifying county officials. The CorrHealth CEO attributed the expenses to a nationwide nursing shortage, higher temporary staffing rates, and reporting problems following a payroll system change.

Acting County Judge Jay Marquez said the dispute was not about the quality of medical care but about how the county and its contractor conduct business. Commissioners tabled the payment request pending the auditor’s review. Malm also suggested amending the contract to require advance notice when staffing costs exceed the cap.

  • Horseshoe rentals and alcohol: Commissioners approved a rule requiring renters to pay for any additional rooms they use during events or for storage. They also approved a sole-provider alcohol contract with KVL Opportunity LLC, previously selected through a competitive process at 30% of gross alcohol sales.

A proposal from Commissioner Charles Hall to exempt 4-H events from security requirements was tabled after Villela raised concerns about granting a blanket exemption.

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  • Playa drainage project: Commissioners authorized staff to pursue acquiring a 54-acre drainage playa owned by the City of Odessa. The land would support a flood-control project extending from north of Business Interstate 20.

Odessa has offered the property at no cost, with Midland County responsible for approximately $10,000 in surveys, environmental review, and closing expenses. A final agreement will return to commissioners for approval. Commissioner Dianne Anderson said the project is “desperately needed” because of flooding.

  • County building renovations: The court advanced renovations at 608 N. Main St., a vacant county building that needs accessibility, electrical, and restroom upgrades before it can be occupied. Commissioners also approved a change order involving elevator safety requirements at the neighboring 509 N. Loraine building. Anderson noted that the county’s HR department is scheduled to move into the building.

  • County fleet services: Commissioners approved a $12,615 transmission repair on a 2019 county truck with approximately 60,000 miles. Staff said the truck had been in the shop four times for transmission problems. Commissioners also renewed their vehicle services agreement with Sewell Fleet Management, subject to legal review, which staff described as the exact same contract as last year.

They also discussed separate software to better track fleet expenses independently of Sewell to avoid double charges, but took no action on that proposal. Last year, a divided court voted to replace its longtime fleet provider, Vector Fleet, with Sewell.

  • New county position: The court approved a Strategic Partnerships Coordinator for the commissioners. Villela said the position will be funded within the department’s existing budget without creating new funds.