The Midland County Commissioners Court convened on Tuesday, February 20, at 9 a.m. to address key agenda items, notably the issuance of a $170 million certificate of obligation (CO) for constructing a new county jail.
Concerns were raised during the public comment period regarding the jail’s proposed location near residential areas and an elementary school in Greenwood. Judge Johnson defended the extensive deliberation process, emphasizing the county’s thorough evaluation of multiple locations over several years. Commissioner Ramsey underscored the proposed site’s ability to accommodate future jail capacity needs.
Discussions also revolved around providing alternative transportation solutions for inmates released during daytime hours from the proposed jail miles from downtown Midland. Sheriff Criner committed to devising a plan within 30 days to address this concern.
The commissioners approved a 20-year refinance term for the CO, projecting a tax increase of approximately $87 per year for a $350,000 valued property. The interest accrued over the repayment period is estimated at $95 million. Despite plans to expedite repayment, the longer term was deemed prudent to cushion against potential economic downturns.
The court voted 3-1 to issue the CO, with Commissioner Sommers dissenting and Commissioner Anderson absent.
The commissioners approved the county’s seven-week paid college internship program starting June 3. Interested applicants can gather more information by emailing the county’s HR Coordinator, Dora Ramirez, at dramirez@mcounty.com.
Revisiting event security at the Horseshoe Arena, concerns were raised about the high costs for small groups during the public comment period. Horseshoe Director Ken Olson recommended policies where groups under 300 attendees and without alcohol or weapons present would not have to pay for security. The court will vote on the updated policies at the next commissioners meeting.
A presentation on the Vision Zero Safety Action Plan highlighted the county’s efforts to address traffic-related injuries and fatalities. A crash analysis performed on county roadways revealed over 50% of traffic accidents occur on only 12% of county roads. In 2022, the county applied for a grant from the Safe Streets and Roads for All program and will receive a plan during the summer months outlining specific projects for the county to tackle to achieve the Vision Zero goal.
A resolution supporting Governor Abbott’s border security efforts sparked debate, with Commissioner Sanchez expressing reservations about the resolution’s wording. Commissioner Ramsey highlighted the county doesn’t receive additional funding to comply with the Governor’s request. Ultimately, the resolution was adopted with a 3-1 vote, with Commissioner Sanchez dissenting.
The next meeting of the Midland County Commissioners Court is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom at the Midland County Courthouse.