What to watch: The Midland County Commissioners Court will meet Tuesday, April 21, at 9 a.m. to consider new law enforcement equipment and grant funding, adopt tax abatement guidelines, and initiate an independent audit of the county’s IT systems.

Key points:

  • TAG unit: Commissioners will consider purchasing a Point Blank Surveillance Platform and an equipment van for the Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) unit, funded through TAG funds and grants. The platform is a mobile surveillance system designed to support covert monitoring operations in the field.

Midland is one of a handful of Texas hubs with a TAG task force, where local officers work alongside state and federal partners to target organized crime, drug trafficking, and violent gangs across West Texas.

  • Sheriff’s Office: Commissioners will consider accepting a digital drug analyzer from the San Antonio Police Department, which would allow deputies to test suspected narcotics in the field and receive near-instant results. The court will also consider accepting a $500,000 grant from the Scharbauer Foundation to fund a mobile command center.

In addition, commissioners will consider purchasing replacement mattresses for county jail inmates.

  • Library agreements: Commissioners will consider items related to library programming. The court will consider applying for a Texas Commission on the Arts grant with a proposed performance by Margaret Clauder, a Texas-based puppeteer and educational performer who presents literacy-focused programs for children.

    In addition, the court will consider a contract with Ramblin’ Rita, a Texas-based children’s performer who provides interactive storytelling and music programs.

  • Veteran’s memorial: The court will consider installing a Battlefield Cross at the Midland County Veteran’s Memorial, 1620 North A Street. The memorial’s previous Battlefield Cross, a bronze statue of a helmet, rifle, and boots, was stolen last year.
  • Road and bridge: Commissioners will receive an update from the Road and Bridge Department, which typically includes ongoing maintenance work, project updates, equipment needs, and planning for county road infrastructure.
  • IT audit: Commissioners will consider issuing a request for proposals for an independent audit of the county’s IT department. An audit would evaluate system security, performance, and internal controls, and may identify risks or opportunities to improve efficiency and data protection.
  • Tax abatements: Commissioners will consider adopting tax abatement guidelines, which establish the criteria and process the county uses to offer temporary property tax reductions to incentivize economic development projects.