What happened: The Midland County Commissioners Court met on Tuesday, Dec. 2, to approve a major court-records preservation contract, personnel changes in the Medical Examiner’s and District Attorney’s Offices, public-safety equipment purchases, and a funding agreement with the Permian Basin Literacy Coalition for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Key points:

  • Court-records preservation: Commissioners approved a $396,000 agreement to scan, index, and archive deteriorating county court records. Officials showed examples of aging files, some stored in cardboard boxes, and explained that state law requires permanent preservation.

The project will create high-quality digital scans and a searchable index to improve public access. This work completes the county’s multi-year effort to preserve all historical court records, though paper copies must remain on file.

  • Medical Examiner’s Office: Commissioners approved a salary increase for a decedent driver whose hiring resulted in cost-savings for the county. Staff reported that the county used to spend more than $300,000 per year on contracted transport. After bringing the work in-house, the office expects to save about $200,000 this year, even after buying vehicles and equipment.

Officials said families now receive clearer communication about who is transporting their loved one, which has eased stress during difficult moments.

  • Texas Anti-Gang: Commissioners approved a Texas Anti-Gang (TAG)-grant-funded lease for a bucket truck used to install pole cameras disguised as utility-pole transformers. Staff said utility-crew scheduling often delays investigations, and the new truck will allow immediate installations. County Judge Terry Johnson highlighted TAG’s recent success in reducing guns, drugs, and violent offender activity.
  • District Attorney: Commissioners approved the hiring of a misdemeanor investigator, noting the position should attract TCOLE-certified applicants. The court also expanded the DA Office’s credit-card authority to cover airfare, lodging, and meals when transporting victims and witnesses for trials. Staff said the change lets them book refundable travel quickly and noted that most in-state costs qualify for state reimbursement.
  • Constables: The court approved in-car cameras for Constable Jerry Cook, Precinct 2, which will integrate with existing body cameras. The court expects other constables to submit requests once they receive updated vendor quotes. The county had already budgeted the item.
  • Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Commissioners finalized a $50,000 payment to the Permian Basin Literacy Coalition as part of the county’s three-year commitment to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program mails free books each month to children under age five. All county-allocated funds stay in the Permian Basin service area.