What to watch: The Midland City Council will meet Monday, Oct. 14, at 10 a.m. Key topics include denying an Oncor rate increase, creating a new residential overlay district, streamlining subdivision approvals, strengthening debris standards for residential construction, and addressing unsafe structures across the city.

Key points:

  • Oncor rate increase: Council will vote on a resolution to deny Oncor’s proposed 13% rate hike, which includes a 12.3% increase for residential customers and a 51% jump in street lighting rates. The increase would have added about $7.90 per month for the average homeowner. The city determined the request was unreasonable. If denied, Oncor will have 30 days to appeal to the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

  • Residential Overlay District: Council will consider establishing a Residential Overlay District covering about 100 acres near East Indiana Avenue, South Lincoln Street, and South Fairgrounds Road. The change would allow property owners to develop single-family homes without rezoning each lot, streamlining housing in a neighborhood already built out for detached homes.

  • Subdivision reform: A proposed ordinance would eliminate the sketch plat step in Midland’s subdivision process. The change will let developers move directly to the preliminary plat stage while maintaining infrastructure and safety reviews. City staff processed 219 sketch plats over the past two years, averaging 63 days per project. Officials say removing the step could improve speed to market and reduce workloads.

  • Residential debris rules: Another ordinance would require residential contractors to maintain clean job sites, aligning residential projects with existing commercial debris standards. Code Enforcement officers have struggled to address litter and debris complaints under current rules. The amendment creates clear standards and enforcement authority.

  • Substandard housing: Council will vote to authorize repair or demolition orders for several vacant and structurally unsafe homes that violate the City’s Minimum Standards Code. Owners will have 30 days to repair or demolish before the city proceeds with abatement, estimated at $10,000 per structure. The city will bill any incurred costs to the owner, and these costs are subject to liens if unpaid.

  • Firefighter pension: Council will receive the annual actuarial report for the Midland Firefighters’ Relief and Retirement Fund as required by the city’s memorandum of understanding with the fund. The latest valuation shows a funded ratio of 69.9%, an amortization period of 28.8 years. An Actuarially Determined Contribution of $0 indicates the city is not required to fund anything additional at this time.

  • Staff updates: City staff will also present updates on water infrastructure and road projects.