What happened: The Midland County Commissioners Court met on June 3, 2025 to begin preliminary budget discussions for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Department heads presented funding requests ahead of the county’s proposed budget and property tax rate adoption in September.

Why it matters: The budget discussions outlined staffing, infrastructure, and operational needs across multiple departments. All departments requested additional funding allocated in the next year’s budget.

Key points:

  • Elections Office: Administrator Rosa Olgin requested $285,400 to fund part-time workers for up to four elections and additional funding to digitize election results, improve the department’s website for ADA compliance, provide uniforms for poll workers, and cover rising costs for postage, training, software, and legal notices.

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  • Public Works: Director Andrew Avis proposed creating a Non-Capital Projects Manager position to oversee smaller infrastructure projects while eliminating six unfilled Road & Bridge positions. The department plans to increase contract labor and training and aims to complete chip and fog seals on all roads by 2026 alongside major projects like SH 715 and Todd Road improvements.

  • Courts: Judge Leah Robertson, speaking on behalf of Judge Elizabeth Rainey, requested increased funding to cover rising attorney fees. Associate Judge Karen Lewis also asked for higher funding for court-appointed attorney costs due to growing caseloads.

  • Adult Probation: Director Allen Bell requested additional staffing and training resources to manage expanding caseloads within the probation system.

  • Constables: Precinct 2 Constable Scott Casbeer requested a new deputy, equipment upgrades, and certificate pay. Chief Warrant Officer Jorge Martinez asked for a pay grade adjustment, training resources, and contingency funds for body cameras. Precinct 4 Constable Jamie Hall requested additional staff and updated vehicles.

  • Horseshoe Arena: Director Steven Garcia proposed increased contract funding for dirt work and landscaping, uniform upgrades, and replacing an aging skid steer.

  • Medical Examiner’s Office: Lead Investigator Tracy Karst requested more funding for morgue supplies, software enhancements for financial tracking, and reprinting family brochures.

  • Library: Director Debbie Garza requested funding to replace aging equipment, add self-checkout kiosks, perform building maintenance, and slightly increase the law library’s book budget to keep up with vendor pricing.