What happened: The Midland City Council met June 24

Why it matters: Council approved a $124 million plan to fund downtown improvements, reviewed the city’s enterprise fund restructuring, launched a new digital permitting system, and discussed northeast water capacity concerns.

By the numbers:

  • $124 million: Approved for the downtown TIRZ.

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Key points:

  • Downtown TIRZ: Council approved the final plan for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 2, which dedicates $124 million over 30 years for downtown infrastructure, parking, and public improvements. A TIRZ freezes property tax revenue at current values and uses the growth in tax collections to fund improvements within the zone. All spending requires approval from both the TIRZ board and City Council.

  • Enterprise funds: Finance Director Christy Weakland reported that the city restructured its enterprise funds, including the airport, water and sewer, sanitation, and Hogan Golf Course, to move toward self-sufficiency. The city projects the Scharbauer Sports Complex will run out of money by 2027–2028, but said a future TIRZ could restore solvency. Meanwhile, the hotel-motel fund remains strong at $19 million. Whereas, the city depleted the oil and gas fund to shore up the firefighter pension program’s liabilities.

  • Permit Midland: Planning and Development Officer Elizabeth Triggs updated council on the new Permit Midland portal, which launched June 16. The system allows digital permit submissions and inspections. Residential permit review times dropped from 7.7 to 1.6 business days. Commercial reviews improved from 16.1 to 3.5 business days. 96% of inspections are now completed within one business day.

  • Northeast water capacity: Councilman John Burkholder raised concerns about water availability for new development in northeast Midland. Triggs said infrastructure is already in place and is sufficient. She also mentioned the new northeast water tower and the potential activation of the Paul Davis water field. When Burkholder asked about county residents, Mayor Lori Blong said the city has limited authority outside its limits. She noted that annexation would allow the city to extend infrastructure and services to those communities.