What happened: The Midland County Commissioners met on Oct. 7 and approved new law-enforcement and fleet-management hires after sharp debate over budget priorities, discussion that helps lead to more efficient government for citizens. They also advanced a long-term transportation plan and raised homestead exemptions for seniors and disabled residents.

Key points:

  • Golf course: The court tabled the proposal from Staples Golf for a Golf Course Master Plan for future discussion.

  • Sheriff’s Office: Commissioners approved hiring a new Criminal Investigations Division lieutenant at a higher pay-grade step to match his experience level. Sheriff David Criner said the hire brings 30 years of experience from a sister agency and called him a “franchise player” who will raise department standards.

Commissioner Steven Villela objected, arguing that step increases should reflect time served within Midland County. County Judge Terry Johnson disagreed, saying, “I don’t think that’s how we want to do business.” Johnson added that department heads can request higher steps for experienced hires, noting that competitive pay helps attract qualified candidates.

  • New hires: The court voted 3-2 to create three new Sheriff’s Office positions, a special-crimes investigator, an oilfield-theft investigator, and a human-trafficking investigator. The county will fund the positions from salary and equipment contingency for roughly $610,000, including vehicles and gear. Criner said the additions will allow patrol deputies to focus on calls while investigators handle complex crimes full-time.

Villela and Commissioner Charles Hall opposed the move, saying the sheriff should fill vacant patrol positions first. Villela also questioned low citation numbers, while Criner defended prioritizing major crimes over traffic enforcement. “If you think writing a ticket is more important than oilfield theft, so be it,” Criner said.

Commissioner Jeff Sommers supported the sheriff’s request, saying, “I’m going to trust that [Criner is] the lawman in this situation and I’m not. You wouldn’t ask us for these three positions unless you needed them to do your job.”

  • Fleet management: In September, a divided court voted to switch from its longtime fleet provider, Vector Fleet, to Sewell Fleet Management. During Tuesday’s meeting, Villela gave an update, noting multiple county employees praised the transition. The court then debated whether to remove previously budgeted fleet manager and upfitter positions.

Johnson said the roles were no longer necessary since Sewell now manages the fleet directly, while Villela said that the county still needs an advocate for its fleet. Commissioner Dianne Anderson questioned why the county needed the positions under the prior vendor but not now. Johnson replied, “I get it. You don’t understand it.” Anderson responded, “Oh, come on, Judge.”

The motion to remove the positions failed 3-2, with Johnson and Sommers in favor.

  • Transportation plan: Commissioners approved Phase 1 of the Midland County Master Transportation Plan. The two-year initiative will review existing infrastructure, evaluate roadway classifications, and analyze TxDOT traffic data to guide county development for the next 20 years.

  • Homestead exemption: The court voted to increase the senior and disabled homestead exemption from $100,000 to $150,000 beginning in the 2026 tax year. Johnson said Midland County’s strong economy allows the county to provide relief for residents on fixed incomes. “It lets the community know we’ve got their back,” he said. Commissioners encouraged other taxing entities to adopt similar measures.

  • Library director: The court approved hiring Debbie Colson as Library Director.