What to watch: The Midland County Commissioners Court will meet on August 5 at 9 a.m.

Why it matters: Commissioners will continue ongoing discussions over law enforcement and elected official pay, review recently adopted law that affects the county, and approve investment in the Juvenile Justice Center.

Key points:

  • Deputy cadets: Commissioners will discuss salaries and positions for Patrol Deputy Cadets. The move is in line with the county’s recent efforts to increase starting salaries for jailers and deputies to roughly $65,000 and $80,000, respectively. For comparison, Midland Police Department cadets, ages 18-20,  earn $15 per hour while undergoing classroom and field training with the goal of becoming a police officer at 21.

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  • County audit: The court will consider an agreement with accounting firm Weaver to perform the county’s fiscal year 2025 audit.

  • November election: The court will approve the official Order of Election for the November 4, 2025, Special Constitutional Amendment Election. Seventeen state propositions will appear on the ballot, covering property tax relief, parental rights, judicial reforms, and border security. In the City of Midland, voters will also decide three city council races, including the mayor’s seat.

  • Juvenile Justice Center: Commissioners will vote on a work authorization with Parkhill for survey and geotechnical services at the site of the future Juvenile Justice Center. Separately, the court will also select a Construction Manager-At-Risk for ongoing improvements at the existing center.

  • Open Meetings Act: The court will discuss upcoming changes to the Texas Open Meetings Act, effective September 1. House Bill 1522 increases the required notice period from 72 hours to three business days. It also requires that if a budget is discussed or adopted, the notice must include a taxpayer impact statement showing how the median homeowner’s property tax burden would change under the proposal.

  • AG opinion: The court will consider a request for an Attorney General opinion regarding House Bill 3687. The law sets new certification requirements for fire marshals and related staff in larger counties, including Midland.

  • Elected officials’ salaries: The court will revisit a prior discussion on salaries for elected officials. In recent meetings, commissioners weighed market adjustments and retention needs for county positions, including the sheriff, constables, and county attorney. Final decisions could impact the proposed FY2026 budget and tax rate discussions later this summer.