Photo credit: Midland County

What to watch: Midland County Commissioners Court will meet Tuesday, Oct. 20, to consider seeking new proposals for inmate medical services two weeks after questioning a $632,196.50 bill from its current provider.

Commissioners will also consider a road construction contract for South County Road 1232 and the next phase of a countywide transportation plan.

Key points:

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  • Inmate medical services: Commissioners will consider seeking proposals from medical providers for inmate care. The agenda does not say whether the county plans to replace its current provider CorrHealth or what services the request would cover.

On Oct. 6, commissioners delayed a $632,196.50 payment to CorrHealth for staffing costs above its contract limit until the county auditor could review supporting invoices.

Commissioner Steven Villela questioned whether the county should consider other providers. Staff explained that state law requires the county to select professional medical services based on qualifications rather than price. The disputed payment is not on Tuesday’s agenda.

  • SCR 1232 road contract: Commissioners will consider a construction contract for safety improvements on South County Road 1232. The court awarded the nearly $2.9 million project on Oct. 6.
  • Employee gifts and Christmas party: Commissioners will consider increasing the county’s spending limit on employee gifts and using the Horseshoe for its Dec. 15 Christmas party. The proposed new gift limit was not provided.
  • Transportation plan: Commissioners will hear the first phase of a countywide plan identifying which roads need improvements and which should come first. They will also consider hiring GFT Infrastructure to complete the second phase.
  • CR 140 reconstruction: Commissioners will consider seeking bids to reconstruct the first phase of County Road 140 including South County Road 1140.
  • Sewell fleet agreement: Commissioners will reconsider a vehicle services agreement with Sewell Fleet Management. The court renewed the agreement on Oct. 6 pending legal review. Staff said it was the same contract as the previous year.
  • Land purchase from the city: Commissioners will consider purchasing 0.6782 acres from the City of Midland for road right-of-way. The agenda does not identify the road or purchase price.
  • Building upgrades: Commissioners will consider new exterior LED lighting at Fairview Cemetery, the AgriLife Extension facility and the Road and Bridge facility. Other projects include building system upgrades at the Sheriff’s Office and Courthouse, a replacement boiler at the Horseshoe and a new circulation desk at Centennial Library. Commissioners will also consider giving 30 days’ notice to end the county’s janitorial contract with Redlee/SCS.
  • County vehicles: Commissioners will consider purchasing and outfitting vehicles including a replacement for the Medical Examiner’s Office. They will also consider auctioning surplus items.
  • Grants and law enforcement: Commissioners will consider a $15,326 budget amendment for the 2026 Justice Assistance Grant, additional TAG Grant funding for K9 kennels and a resolution for the 2027 TAG Grant.
  • Possible new constable: Commissioners will also consider appointing Sara McGowan Rodriguez as a deputy constable for courthouse security in Precinct 3.
  • Nonprofit funding: Commissioners will consider agreements with approved nonprofit organizations and payments of previously budgeted funds. The agenda does not identify the organizations or amounts.