What happened: The Midland City Council met on Sept. 9 to approve the proposed 2025–26 budget and hold the first hearing for the new property tax rate. Council also awarded major contracts for the Briarwood Avenue road project and terminal modernization at Midland International Air and Spaceport. They denied expanded security requirements for the Hot Shots bar while directing staff to draft a citywide safety policy for bars.

Key points:

  • Budget and tax rate: The proposed city budget totals $461 million, including $187.5 million in the general fund, which covers services not funded by user fees, such as police, fire, parks, and roads. The city dedicates more than half of the general fund, $99 million, to public safety. Mayor Lori Blong noted that the Midland Fire Department covers the entirety of Midland County. “That is not something that every city is doing,” she said.

Infrastructure remains a priority, with $98 million set aside for water system improvements, $39.8 million for roads, and $22 million for parks, bolstered by public-private partnerships. The proposed property tax rate is a slight decrease from last year’s rate, but it equates to about a 0.75% increase in the average homeowner’s bill due to rising property values.

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Councilmen John Burkholder and Brian Stubbs both encouraged staff to continue finding efficiencies in the budget. Blong added that managing a $461 million citywide budget is “a complicated, difficult thing” as the city tries to meet increasing community expectations while staying disciplined with spending.

  • Hot Shots bar: A proposal to extend Hot Shots security guard requirements beyond weekends to Tuesday through Saturday nights was unanimously denied. Instead, council directed staff to draft a broader citywide safety policy by November that could apply to all bars and clubs. Possible elements include required security, higher alcohol permit fees, and stronger enforcement.

This debate began in April when BTA Oil Producers raised concerns about safety downtown. Council first required Hot Shots to hire certified peace officers on weekends. They later eased the rule to allow standard security guards. In August, council again considered tougher requirements, sparking complaints that council was unfairly singling out the bar compared to neighboring establishments.

On Tuesday, council members emphasized the need for consistency. “We cannot arbitrarily punish one individual for random actions that occur all over the city,” Councilman Jack Ladd said. Blong agreed, noting her priority was finding an equitable and reasonable plan that supports local businesses.

  • Briarwood Avenue: Council awarded a $9 million contract to widen Briarwood Avenue and install a permanent traffic signal. Burkholder acknowledged resident frustration with construction cones but explained the strategy. “Don’t get frustrated. There’s a rhyme to the reason,” he said, noting that construction companies often place cones early to get drivers accustomed to slowing down in upcoming work zones.

  • Airport modernization: Council awarded a $38.6 million contract to expand the airport terminal. The project will add TSA lanes and improve passenger flow between floors. The city secured more than $30 million in grants, with more expected in the coming months. Blong stressed that airport operations are self-sustaining. “Taxpayers are no longer underwriting the services or capital costs at our airport,” she said.