What to watch: The Midland County Commissioners Court will meet Tuesday, Oct. 7, with a full agenda ranging from law enforcement staffing to golf course planning.

Key points:

  • County golf course: A proposal from Staples Golf, a firm with a national track record in municipal redevelopments, is on the agenda to create a master plan for a Midland County golf facility. The county is eyeing a new course on its 234-acre site in eastern Midland County, which will also house the future jail and water treatment plant.

A feasibility study conducted earlier this year revealed strong demand for new golf facilities following multiple local closures, with estimated costs ranging from $12 to $20 million, depending on the design. Approving a master plan would set the county’s vision and start pricing discussions.

Midland County golf course planning back in swing

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  • Fleet management transition: Commissioners will hear an update from Commissioner Steven Villela on the county’s switch from Vector Fleet Management, its previous vendor since 2013, to Sewell Fleet Management. The change followed concerns about billing transparency, unpredictable expenses under Vector’s cost-plus model, and long service delays.

Sewell proposed a flat $30-per-vehicle monthly fee, projected to save $4 million over five years. The court split 3-2 on the move. Tuesday’s report will outline how the transition is working and whether the promised savings and faster service are taking shape.

  • Briarwood Avenue: Commissioners will vote on an interlocal agreement with the City of Midland to widen Briarwood Avenue. The project is part of TxDOT’s plan to expand State Highway 158 from Wadley Avenue to Briarwood, requiring upgrades where Briarwood crosses city and county boundaries near County Road 1250.

The city will oversee construction and maintain the road to city standards once finished. Midland County will contribute about $2 million toward its portion of the road.

  • Sheriff’s Office: Commissioners will set a salary for a new lieutenant in the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and weigh creating three additional CID positions. CID is the Sheriff’s Office detective unit, investigating felony cases such as theft, narcotics, fraud, and other major crimes.
  • Texas Anti-Gang: The county will accept a $2.5 million award from the Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) program, which funds joint efforts to combat organized crime and gang activity. Midland is one of a handful of hubs in Texas with a TAG task force, where local officers work alongside state and federal partners. Commissioners will also review an agreement on how to spend the funds.
  • Medical Examiner: Commissioners will consider funding an assessment for a dedicated Midland County Medical Examiner’s office. The county currently sends autopsies to Lubbock or Fort Worth, which is expensive and delays results.
  • Opioid settlement: Commissioners will ratify Judge Terry Johnson’s signature on settlements with Purdue Pharma and other opioid manufacturers and distributors. The agreements are part of nationwide litigation and will send settlement funds to Midland County to help offset costs tied to addiction treatment, law enforcement, and public health.