Midland County is making significant progress on three major law enforcement facilities. This includes a new County Jail, a new Justice of the Peace Annex, and a new Sheriff's Office.
The developments are based on a 2021 assessment by Burns Architecture LLC, which identified the need to modernize the county's law enforcement infrastructure to accommodate future growth.
In 2023, the Midland County Commissioners Court purchased a property at SH715 and CR 120 to house the new Sheriff's Office, including Patrol, CID, and Administration facilities. Midland County purchased an additional building for SWAT to use as a practice facility.
Midland County said it expects to have the SWAT team moved in by the end of 2024, and anticipates the Sheriff's Office move-in will be early to mid-2025. The project is fully funded by general county funds, avoiding additional debt. The next phase of the project is expected to begin before the end of 2024, and includes infrastructure improvements, such as water and sewer services.
The Midland County Office of Emergency Management and County Fire Marshal will also move into the new Law Enforcement Building over the next three to four weeks. They will use a restroom trailer while the infrastructure improvements are being completed.
The County Jail project, initiated in December 2022, was designed by Burns Architecture in February 2024. The new jail, expected to cost $170 million, will be funded through Municipal Bonds via a Certificate of Obligation process. The building contractor, White Construction, started construction on May 13, with completion slated for November 2026.
Midland County Facilities Director Eddie Melendez explained the need for a new jail: "As the Facilities Director, I can tell you that our current jail is outdated and in significant disrepair,” he said. He added that “the costs to renovate and maintain it would far exceed the expense of constructing a new facility."
According to the county, Midland's rapid growth from oil tax revenues allows the new jail to be built without raising property taxes to fund the project.
In March 2023, the Commissioners Court also approved the design of a new Justice of the Peace Annex to centralize services for all four precincts, including the Constables and the Warrants Division.
According to MW Builders, the company contracted as the Construction Manager at Risk, groundbreaking is planned for late-Fall 2024. This project, estimated to cost $20 million, is also funded by general county funds.
"Building a new jail will save taxpayer money and secure future expansion opportunities–both the City of Midland and Midland County residents will see immediate benefits from these new facilities," said Andrew Avis, Public Works Director for Midland County. According to Avis, "Midland PD will also use the new jail, as the city does not have its own detention facility."
Evidence Room
Gym
Shower and Lockers
Records Office
Records Filing Room