What happened: The Midland City Council met on May 13

Why it matters: The council reviewed the city’s $894.7 million total outstanding debt obligation, delayed a decision on Hot Shot’s costly permit conditions, and approved a pilot program to allow third-party building reviews and inspections.

Key points:

  • City debt: Finance Director Christy Weakland reported that Midland carries $597 million in debt, representing about 25% of the community’s total $2.4 billion debt load. ($3.2 billion of principal and interest.) When including principal and interest, the city’s outstanding obligation reaches $894.7 million. Weakland said more than half of the debt funds water infrastructure and about a quarter funds street improvements. One-third of debt payments come from property taxes, while the remaining two-thirds come from user fees.

  • Hot Shots: Council deferred the second reading of Hot Shots’ Specific Use Designation (SUD) for alcohol sales, likely due to the absence of Councilmember John Burkholder and the item requiring a supermajority vote for approval. The April first reading approved the SUD with a condition requiring two peace officers on weekends and a seven-month review. An objection from BTA Oil Producers triggered the supermajority requirement. Police reported 186 calls at Hot Shots since 2020, fewer than nearby bars. Councilman Jack Ladd called the required security unfair, while others debated daily vs. weekend peace officer coverage.

  • Building regulations: Council unanimously approved an ordinance allowing third-party plan reviews and inspections for specialized projects, starting with Zoo Midland as a pilot program. The change includes strict qualification requirements, city oversight, and auditing. Staff and council members noted that the zoo’s specialized construction needs exceed city staff capacity. Mayor Lori Blong said the ordinance may expand to include other developers in the future, and staff committed to involving local developers and realtors before any broader rollout.