What to watch: The Midland City Council will meet Tuesday, Oct. 28, to review a proposed firefighter pension reserve fund, increase funding for public transit, and approve land deals for downtown and east-side development.

Key items:

  • Firefighter pension: Council will consider setting aside $250,000 in a new Firefighter Retirement Stability Fund as a reserve for possible future increases to the Midland Firemen’s Relief & Retirement Fund. The move doesn’t change current contributions, but follows best practices for pension sustainability and protects the General Fund from future budget shocks.

The fund’s financial position has improved, with its funded ratio (the share of liabilities covered by assets) rising from 43% to nearly 70%. The total liability dropped from $121 million, helped by the city’s $54.4 million contribution from oil and gas revenue that would otherwise have funded quality-of-life projects. The fund’s assets now exceed $154 million, with investment returns of 11.5% in 2024 and 9.6% so far in 2025.

  • Public transit: The city will vote on sending $820,000 to the Midland-Odessa Urban Transit District (EZ-Rider). This is a 12% increase over last year, driven by rising fuel costs, inflation, and increased ridership. The city says the larger payment helps keep driver pay competitive and supports continued, reliable service. The cities of Midland and Odessa jointly operate EZ-Rider.
  • MDC funding: The Midland Development Corporation (MDC) will present two major funding agreements approved by its board earlier this month. Both projects are part of MDC’s commitment to dedicating 35% of its revenue to infrastructure investment.

    • $1.7 million for new water-main infrastructure along Loop 250 and Todd Road to support commercial and industrial growth in east Midland.

      Midland’s top stories. One quick email. Free, every Friday.
      Get Midland Wrapped, our free weekly email for busy Midland residents. Each Friday, we break down the week’s most important local stories — what happened, why it matters, and what to watch next — so you can stay informed without the noise.

    • $2.1 million for design work on an interchange at SH 191 and County Road 1250. The city will donate it to TXDOT to accelerate the $35 million construction project when the design is complete.

  • Omni hotel: Council will consider vacating a 0.14-acre alleyway at 210 Big Spring Street to make way for the planned Omni Hotel. After, the city will replat the property into the new hotel parcel.
  • Mockingbird Ridge: Betenbough Homes is seeking approval for an amended preliminary plat of a 302-acre tract east of North Fairgrounds Road. The updated plan includes 1,291 residential lots. In August, council voted to amend zoning for the Mockingbird Ridge North subdivision, replacing smaller lots with 104 larger ones and reducing overall density by 31 homes.
  • Staff presentations: City staff will deliver two presentations on strengthening and sustaining our road infrastructure and our water infrastructure.