The Midland City Council convened for a general meeting on April 23 at 10 a.m. at City Hall, where presentations from city staff shed light on fiscal matters. The discussions were timely as the council gears up to formulate the budget and tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year during the summer months.
During Director of Finance Christy Weakland’s budget report, City Manager Tommy Gonzales added that city staff are beginning to examine the true maintenance costs of various budget items. Gonzales stressed the need for a longer-term outlook on budget considerations to prevent potential setbacks witnessed in the city’s past. Notably, the reported maintenance costs for city streets are $35 million annually, with an additional $3.5 million required for park maintenance yearly.
The council deliberated on the impending depletion of the accrued fund balance for the Scharbauer Sports Complex by 2026. The fund is the remainder of a quarter-cent sales tax that expired in 2017 and has covered the complex’s maintenance and improvement costs. To address the forthcoming shortfall, the council is exploring the possibility of establishing a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone in the vicinity to support ongoing costs.
Assistant City Manager Jose Ortiz provided a comprehensive overview of the solid waste department’s needs over the next five years. These included $3.5 million for reconstructing the landfill entrance road, $7 million for essential equipment, $5.5 million to put the landfill in compliance with federal emission guidelines, and $37 million to build an additional cell on the landfill that would extend its life for 20more years. Ortiz also mentioned that citizen service fees are lower in Midland than in comparable cities.
Planning and Development Officer Elizabeth Triggs spoke on the Hogan Park golf course. Triggs identified more than $23 million in capital needs, including adding an RO system and replacing the irrigation systems, to keep up with future demand as the course becomes the sole public golf course in a 20-mile radius serving a population of 225,000. Triggs mentioned the course fees are lower than national averages and 20% lower than a local competitor.
During the consent agenda, council members deliberated on various items, including the Midland Development Corporation’s partnership continuation with Higher Orbits, a STEM-based non-profit, and plans to install a traffic signal at Avalon Dr. and Briarwood Ave, addressing concerns regarding the future YMCA development in the area.
Other notable highlights included the Leadership Midland graduating class presenting a check for $44,000 towards a shaded structure at Reyes Mashburn Nelms Park. The council also commended Tasha Sport for her dedication to the city’s animal shelter and heard concerns from local veterinarians regarding the shelter’s recent canine distemper outbreak.
The council recessed to executive session shortly after noon. The next city council meeting is scheduled for May 14 at 10 a.m.