What happened: The Midland City Council met on June 10, 2025.

Why it matters: The council discussed water access possibilities for northeast Midland, reversed undue burden imposed on Hot Shots’ alcohol permit renewal, reviewed long-term budget pressures, and adopted a new grass height ordinance.

Key points:

  • Northeast water: City staff outlined a preliminary plan to extend water service to northeast Midland, including an area annexed in 1982 but never connected to city utilities. The project opens 400 acres of undeveloped land and makes it more economical for existing homes to connect to water. The project would extend a water line under Loop 250 during TxDOT’s Todd Drive overpass construction. The city secured $1 million from the Midland Development Corporation, unlocking $26 million in state funds and accelerating the project by six years.

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    • Estimated city cost: $2 million to cross Loop 250, with an additional $1 million to reach neighborhoods.

    • Timeline: Design and construction could take about three years, with efforts underway to speed it up.

  • City expenditures: Finance Director Christy Weakland presented a five-year forecast showing city expenditures outpacing revenue by 3.9%, driven by rising health insurance costs, construction inflation, and other fixed expenses. Health insurance alone added $2.2 million in new costs over two years. The city also absorbed a $28.8 million certificate of obligation for roadwork without raising taxes.

  • Hot Shots: Council approved an amended Specific Use Designation for Hot Shots. Councilman John Norman‘s amendment reduces security requirements from two peace officers to two Level 2 security guards. This change matches conditions set for the Double Bar Saloon. Councilwoman Amy Burkes added a 60-day review in addition to the existing seven-month review. The vote passed unanimously; Councilwoman Robin Poole recused herself. Her husband is employed by BTA, the company that filed the lone complaint against Hot Shots.

  • Ambulance billing: Council approved a contract with EMS Management & Consultants to handle ambulance billing, lowering the commission from 8% to 4.2% and saving the city about $200,000. The contract includes a charity policy to help qualify for additional funding to assist residents unable to pay ambulance bills.

  • Grass height: Council unanimously approved reducing the maximum allowed grass and weed height from 18 inches to 12 inches. The change allows earlier city intervention on neglected properties while maintaining exemptions for agricultural and large tracts.