Photo credit: Midland County

What happened: The Midland County Commissioners Court met on Tuesday, April 21, and debated two subdivision variance requests that challenged the county’s road standards, accepted a $500,000 donation for a mobile command center, received a detailed Road and Bridge update noting the county has addressed more than 150 miles of previously F-graded roads over the past six years, and reinstated expired tax abatement guidelines.

Key points:

  • Subdivision variances: Commissioners discussed two subdivision variance requests that centered on whether the county should allow developers to build caliche roads below the county’s paved standards. One of the developers said paved roads would increase costs “10 times,” arguing that his development can sell lots for about $40,000, compared to nearby paved developments that sell for about $80,000.

Commissioner Dianne Anderson said approving lower standards would shift costs to the county in the future. Commissioner Charles Hall pointed to existing subdivisions with caliche roads that have deteriorated over time.

“If you want to continue to build in Midland County,” Anderson said. “You build to our standards.”

The court and developers did not discuss detailed cost comparisons between existing county requirements and the proposed alternatives. If regulations significantly increase costs with limited benefit, commissioners have a stronger case to revisit them. If the cost difference is minimal, the county has a clearer justification for requiring higher standards up front.

  • Road and bridge: Staff reported that since October, they have graded 28 miles of unpaved roads, placed millings on two miles, repaired potholes with about 100 tons of material, and collected nearly 95,000 pounds of roadside debris. Midland County Director of Public Works Andrew Avis said when he joined the county six years ago, there were over 150 miles of F-graded roads, but now the county has touched every mile of that.

“The road and bridge department has morphed into something that’s just really spectacular,” Midland County Judge Terry Johnson said. “We’re spending money where it needs to be spent.” He added that the road and bridge department didn’t exist when he became a judge seven years ago. He said not every road is 100%, but that he believes 90% are much better than they were before.

  • TAG unit: Commissioners approved three purchases for the Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) unit, all fully funded through grants with no county dollars required. The court approved a $222,442 surveillance platform, accepted a digital drug analyzer valued at about $93,000 from the San Antonio Police Department, and authorized the purchase of an equipment van to support field operations.

Midland is one of a handful of Texas hubs with a TAG task force, where local officers work alongside state and federal partners to target organized crime, drug trafficking, and violent gangs across West Texas.

  • Sheriff’s Office: The court accepted a $500,000 grant from the Scharbauer Foundation to fund a mobile command center. Officials said the unit will support large-scale incidents, including major crime scenes, disasters, and public safety events, by providing a centralized command location.

The sheriff’s office expects the total command center cost to exceed the grant amount and said they will seek additional funding through other sources. Commissioners also approved the purchase of inmate mattresses for the Midland County jail, which staff said they included in the jail’s budget planning.

Library programs: The court approved multiple items for the library summer reading program, including contracting with two Texas-based performers, Margaret Clauder and Ramblin’ Rita. The court also approved a partnership with a local fitness provider for a self-defense class, covering teen and adult programming. The library included all items in its annual budget.

  • Veterans memorial: Commissioners approved $2,120 from contingency funds to install a replacement battlefield cross at the county’s veterans memorial at 1620 North A Street. The original monument was stolen last year, and officials discussed the potential need for future security cameras.
  • IT audit: Commissioners approved issuing a request for proposals to conduct an independent audit of the county’s IT department. The audit will evaluate infrastructure, cybersecurity, staffing, and operational practices to ensure systems meet performance and security expectations.
  • Tax abatements: The court reinstated its prior tax abatement guidelines, which expired in 2024, with no changes. The policy allows the county to offer temporary property tax reductions to incentivize economic development projects, typically applying only to the new value created by a project for up to 10 years. The guidelines include clawback provisions if developers fail to meet agreed-upon improvements.