What happened: The Midland County Commissioners Court met on Aug. 19 and reviewed the 2025–26 budget and tax rate, which could cost the average homeowner about $15 less. Commissioners also dismissed the county’s library director after six years in the role.

Key points:

  • Budget and tax rate: The Midland County Appraisal District reports that property values rose an average of 4.68%. A home valued at $350,000 last year now averages $366,380. At the proposed rate, this home would pay about $15 less in taxes than last year, after factoring in higher property values and homestead exemptions (not including 65+ or disabled exemptions).

The proposed tax rate would bring in $2 million in additional revenue from new property. Notably, the 2024-25 tax rate was the second lowest of any county in Texas. 

  • Library director: Commissioners voted to dismiss Library Director Debbie Garza and appointed Julie Pearson as interim director. The discussion took place in executive session, and the court did not explain the change during the public meeting. Pearson has been part of the county library system since 2021.

  • Fleet management: Sewell Ford Fleet pitched a fixed-price model of $30 per vehicle per month, estimating $4 million in savings over five years. Vector Fleet defended its current contract, highlighting upgrades and a merger that expands service. Commissioners deferred consideration to compare options further, after Sheriff David Criner expressed frustration with service delays for the department’s vehicles.

  • Juvenile justice center: The court executed a construction contract for the new Juvenile Justice Center, marking progress after six years of planning. County spokesperson Samuel Eaton said, ‘The goal is to create one of the best facilities in the state, built to better serve the needs of our young people and their futures.’”