What happened: Midland County commissioners met Tuesday, Oct. 20, and delayed approving a new vehicle maintenance contract with Sewell Fleet Management after learning the county spent about $800,000 to $850,000 on fleet repairs last year, despite a contract that capped costs at $474,000.

Commissioners also approved seeking new providers for inmate medical services and moving forward with the next phase of a countywide road plan.

Key points:

  • Sewell fleet contract: Commissioners tabled a maintenance and vehicle services agreement with Sewell Fleet Management after questioning why last year’s costs exceeded the contract amount.

The court renewed the agreement Oct. 6 pending legal review. Staff initially described it as the same contract used the previous year.

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On Tuesday, staff estimated the county spent $800,000 to $850,000 on fleet repairs last year, including about four engine replacements and nine transmission replacements. The previous contract listed $474,000 and stated that billing “will not exceed” that amount.

The proposed contract raises the estimate to $905,000 and describes it as a target rather than a cap. A member of the court said Sewell’s representative had guaranteed last year that costs would not exceed the contract amount.

Emily Howe, Sewell’s account manager, said the company expected the county to replace more older vehicles and had to complete repairs left unfinished by the previous fleet provider. She said costs should decrease as the county replaces aging vehicles.

“That’s the same story we heard a year ago,” Commissioner Jeff Somers commented.

Last year, commissioners voted to replace longtime fleet provider Vector Fleet with Sewell in a divided decision.

  • Inmate medical services: Commissioners approved seeking qualifications from medical providers to care for inmates at the county jail. The vote came without discussion.

On Oct. 6, commissioners delayed paying CorrHealth $632,196.50 for staffing costs above its contract limit until the county auditor could review supporting invoices.

Commissioner Steven Villela questioned whether the county should consider other providers. Staff explained that Texas law requires the county to select professional medical services based on qualifications rather than price, The Permian Press reported.

  • Countywide road plan: GFT Infrastructure presented the first phase of a plan identifying which county roads need improvements and which projects should come first.

The firm’s representative said Midland County’s population grew 34% over the past 15 years and is expected to grow another 39% over the next 25 years.

Nearly half of the proposed future road network would consist of new roads, while about 18% of existing county roads would need major improvements.

The plan focuses on preserving land for future roads before development drives up costs. The firm recommended beginning route studies for a south outer loop and a South Loop 250.

Commissioners approved hiring GFT for the second phase, which staff said is included in this year’s budget and will include public input.