What to watch: The Midland City Council will meet on August 12.

Why it matters: The council will vote on the deferred $16.2 million Midland Development Corporation (MDC) budget, changes to the city’s purchasing policy, and follow-up on the Hot Shots and Detour Bar alcohol permits.

Key points:

  • MDC budget: The MDC board approved the $16.2 million budget on July 7. Council deferred it on July 22. The budget estimates revenue up 8% from last year. Administration costs rose 5% to add a staff position. Economic development spending rose 9% for prior-year commitments set for FY 2025–2026 if contracts are met.

  • Purchasing policy: Council will consider raising contract approval limits to speed purchasing. These changes could cut procurement time by up to 15 days for half of all contracts. Proposed changes include:

    • Increasing department-level approval for general services to $30,000 from $15,000.

    • Increasing the City Manager’s approval authority to $200,000, with quarterly public reporting and random audits.

  • Hot Shots: Council will review the Specific Use Designation (SUD) approved June 10 for the downtown bar. BTA Oil Producers’ objections led to added security requirements. Staff reports the bar met its guard mandate. Police recorded five incidents in June and four in July.

  • Detour Bar: The Detour Bar again seeks an SUD for alcohol sales. The bar has operated without the required permit since 2017 due to past city oversight. Council previously deferred the decision to learn if the violation was intentional or accidental. However, two formal objections cited parking, noise, and traffic concerns.

  • Wildcatter Trail: Council will consider a $640,600 contract with Dunaway Associates for design and engineering of the Wildcatter Trail. The $4.6 million trail will run from Champions Drive to Arlington Road. Most funding comes from a TxDOT Transportation Alternatives grant. The city’s match comes from the 2024 parks bond. Design could take up to a year. Construction could begin in spring 2026.

  • Beal Park: Council will vote to seek a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for amenities including a splash park, amphitheater, playground, soccer fields, and parking. The CMAR process should help keep the project on schedule and within budget, especially for multiple donor commitments.

  • November election: Council will call the Nov. 4 election for mayor and District 3 and 4 council seats. It will also approve vote centers and early voting locations.

  • Community Development: The $1.22 million Community Development Block Grant plan outlines how federal HUD funds will be distributed. Programs include Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army, and local park upgrades.