What to watch: The Midland County Commissioners Court will meet Tuesday, April 7, to revisit a previously rejected employee pay policy change, consider creating a new investigator position in the District Attorney’s Office, and review a $500,000 donation for the Sheriff’s Office.

Key points:

  • Personnel policy: Commissioners will revisit a proposed change to the county’s anniversary step raise policy after a similar measure failed in March. Judge Terry Johnson previously proposed removing the fixed “2% increase” language to allow employees to move up the pay scale without locking in a specific percentage.

Johnson said the change would allow the Sheriff’s Office to continue using its separate step system, which provides roughly 4% increases. Commissioner Steven Villela previously raised concerns that removing the percentage could limit flexibility for future courts.

  • DA investigator: Commissioners will consider creating a new investigator position for the District Attorney’s Office. In November, the court granted approval for the DA’s office to appoint up to four Reserve Investigators. These are typically on-call or part-time law enforcement officers with investigative experience who assist prosecutors with case preparation, evidence work, and trial support.
  • Sheriff’s Office: The court will consider accepting a $500,000 donation from the Scharbauer Foundation for the Sheriff’s Office.
  • K9 retirement: Commissioners will acknowledge the retirement of explosive detection K9 Mia from the Fire Marshal’s Office and consider approving the transfer of the dog to Investigator Kevin Bullard.
  • Sen. Sparks: The court will consider a proclamation recognizing State Sen. Kevin Sparks.