The Midland County Commissioners Court held a special meeting on Monday, Jan. 22, at 9 a.m. The court rescheduled their Jan. 16 meeting due to flooding at the county courthouse caused by pipe issues from below-freezing temperatures.
The meeting commenced with a proclamation marking the 40th anniversary of the Midland Crime Stoppers nonprofit organization. County Judge Terry Johnson shared that Midland Crime Stoppers has played a pivotal role in assisting law enforcement. Since its inception in 1984, the organization has aided in arresting 9,633 suspects, recovering $2,769,229 in property, and seizing 6,254,764 narcotics.
Commissioners deliberated on the tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ) agreement with the City of Midland following their first presentation in December. The TIRZ establishes a designated area around downtown Midland where the increase in property taxes assessed contributes to a TIRZ fund that will pay for development projects within that area.
Commissioner Luis Sanchez expressed approval of the TIRZ’s return, and the commissioners unanimously voted in favor of participating. This TIRZ is the city’s second usage of the program, with the first created in 2001 and terminated in 2014. The county now joins Midland College, Midland County Hospital District, and the city as participants in the TIRZ.
Later in the meeting, commissioners reviewed the certificate of obligation (CO) funding proposal for the proposed $170 million 800-bed county jail. During a November meeting, county staff presented financing options, including a voter-approved general obligation bond or a non-voter-approved certificate of obligation.
In December, the commissioners initiated the process of obtaining a CO to fund the jail despite initial reservations from several commissioners. This vote triggered a 45-day window for the public to petition for an election if 5% of voters request an election on the CO debt.
On Feb. 20 at 9 a.m., during a regularly scheduled Commissioners Court meeting, the public will have an opportunity to address the decision to use a CO for funding. Subsequently, the commissioners will vote to proceed with the CO or explore alternative financing options. A super-majority vote, requiring four out of five commissioners in favor, is necessary for CO approval.
District Attorney Laura Nodolf urged the court to allow her office to apply for a $275,000 grant provided to prosecutor’s offices through Senate Bill 22. The grant can increase the salary of an assistant attorney, an investigator, and a victim assistance coordinator. Nodolf clarified that this would not add to the county’s expenses, as it would supplement salaries without affecting the base salary.
The grant, if approved, would result in a 7% raise for the 48 eligible employees, with additional funds available for part-time employees. This salary supplement would only be applicable while SB 22 funds are available, and the commissioners unanimously approved the request.
All other agenda items received unanimous approval. The next Midland County Commissioners Court meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 9 a.m.