What happened: The Midland City Council met on Tuesday, Oct. 28, to discuss two proposed subdivisions outside city limits that would rely entirely on groundwater, raising concerns about long-term water supply and the city’s limited authority under state law. Council also reviewed progress on road and water infrastructure projects.

Key points:

  • Groundwater development: Council discussed two proposed plats south of city limits, located within Midland’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, an area where the city oversees subdivision layouts but cannot extend utilities or enforce zoning rules. Because of that, these developments must rely on groundwater instead of city water or sewer lines. One is planned for retail use, and the other for industrial development.

Both plats met state standards, showing enough groundwater, but council members questioned whether the supply would last. Councilman Brian Stubbs called it “a weird spot in Texas law,” noting that developers must prove water exists but aren’t required to track it afterward. Councilman John Burkholder said it’s “hard to solve for an unknown variable,” since field conditions often differ from limited studies.

Mayor Lori Blong agreed, saying the city has little power to intervene. “These sorts of plats, as long as they meet the state standard, will get what they’re asking for,” she said. “But I don’t want to be complicit in rubber-stamping something where we can’t demonstrate long-term viability.” Council took no formal action, meaning the plat will still be approved automatically under state law.

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  • Easy Rider: Council approved a $820,000 contribution to the Midland Odessa Urban Transit District, which operates Easy Rider bus services. The local match helps secure millions in federal grants, roughly $6 million shared each year with Odessa. Councilman Jack Ladd emphasized the need for more covered stops. City staff said recent federal and state grants will fund new shelters and an asset and ADA study to guide placement.

  • Gladiola Avenue: Council voted 5–1 to approve a special exception allowing a Llano Estacado property owner to split a one-acre lot into two half-acre lots for a second home. Four neighbors objected, but city staff said the request met covenant standards and matched nearby precedent. Council members said the decision came down to fairness and property rights. Read The Permian Press’ full story here.

  • Infrastructure updates: Engineering staff reported that Midland has added 17% more paved roads and 9% more traffic signals since 2014. All 2017 road bond projects are now complete, including Main Street’s reopening. TxDOT awarded $7.3 million for improvements at State Highway 158 and Wadley Avenue and $6.1 million for SH 158 and Briarwood Avenue, supported by a $2.5 million county pledge.

Work continues on the Occidental Road and Todd Drive projects, with Midland Development Corporation funding accelerating the Todd Drive overpass timeline from 2031 to 2026. Staff also announced a new five-year Capital Improvement Program to better plan and prioritize citywide infrastructure investments.

  • Water progress: City utilities staff shared updates on improvements since February’s water supply disruption, when a failed valve and zebra mussel buildup cut treatment capacity from 32 million gallons per day to about 8 million. Repairs restored flow within a week, and the city has since launched new valve inspections, zebra mussel treatment programs, and satellite leak detection.

Those changes have reduced water main break repairs by 56% year over year. Looking ahead, staff plan to upgrade the Paul Davis groundwater plant and design new bypass lines at T-Bar to strengthen Midland’s water system and prevent future disruptions.