Editor’s note: Brian Carney is running for Midland County Commissioner, Precinct 2, one of five representatives who sit on the Commissioners Court, the county’s governing body, which approves the county budget, sets tax rates, and represents their precinct on local policy matters. Carney faces one challenger, Joe Watters.

Candidate interviews are published in the order they are conducted. This candidate provided written responses to The Permian Press’ set of interview questions. Other candidate interviews in this series were conducted in person. Voters must register by Monday, Feb. 2. Early voting begins Tuesday, Feb. 17. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 3.

Long-term vision

Brian Carney described his long-term vision for Midland County as a safe and continually prosperous community where local government does the basics well, stays in its lane, and respects taxpayers. He also said his vision is for families to feel secure, for businesses to grow without heavy red tape, and for people to trust that their county officials are honest and careful with every dollar.

Carney said he would measure success through backing law enforcement and the courts, having a balanced budget with low, predictable taxes, responsive county offices that answer the phone, solve problems, and use technology well, and by making smart decisions on roads, facilities, and infrastructure so the county stays ahead of growth.

“If, at the end of my term, Midland County is safer, more fiscally sound, easier to work with, and more trusted, I’ll consider that a successful, conservative record.”

Greenwood water and a MCUD bond

On Greenwood water, Carney said a revised Midland County Utility District (MCUD) bond remains the best option because it keeps infrastructure local, coordinated, and planned as a unified system rather than a patchwork. Currently, residents depend on private providers and wells, or the possibility of a MCUD bond. Greenwood is located within Precinct 2.

“MCUD was approved by voters of the district for this purpose, and a leaner bond with clear phasing, cost controls, and honest communication can finally deliver long‑term water security.”

He contrasted that with private wells and providers, which he said create inconsistent service, fragmented systems, and profit-driven decision-making.

“A better‑designed MCUD bond in 2026 gives Greenwood the simplest path to dependable water, fire protection, and long‑term growth under local control”

County sales tax rate

When asked about the hypothetical possibility of the county attempting to increase the sales tax again in order to increase revenue without relying on property taxes, Carney said he does not believe that approach should be pursued.

Law enforcement costs

When asked how the county should measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the Sheriff’s Department relative to its budget and how the county’s law enforcement budget compares to the city police’s budget, Carney said major components of the sheriff’s budget are driven by jail operations and inmate care costs, which he described as legal obligations rather than discretionary spending choices.

“These budget items have very little correlation with effectiveness or efficiency and more to do with the ebb and flow of people being arrested by the city, county, state and federal law enforcement, and the services that flow from caring for inmates.”

Fire and EMS costs

When asked about the city’s argument that city taxpayers subsidize fire and EMS calls outside city limits, Carney acknowledged cost but he argued the county’s investment in jail facilities and related services that benefit the city effectively counterbalances it.

“When you look at both sides, what you see is an informal ‘swap’ of county-paid jail capacity for city-paid fire/EMS, not a one-way giveaway.”

Proposed county golf course

On a proposed county golf course, Carney said he does not view the project as a standalone county initiative and instead described it as something explored jointly with the city.

“The idea of a new golf course is a good idea for our citizens and joining forces with the city to accomplish this seems to be a good use of resources.”

Coordination across taxing entities

Carney said increased coordination, communication, and cooperation among Midland’s overlapping taxing entities is broadly beneficial to taxpayers so they get the best from their tax dollars.