The Midland County Commissioners Court convened for its regular meeting on Oct. 1. The session covered an array of agenda items affecting county services, community outreach, and infrastructure projects.
Among the items discussed, the court unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing 4-H Week. The court also approved a Lunch and Learn program in collaboration with the Better Business Bureau, aimed at educating the community on business-related matters and how to “engage with Midland County,” such as explaining how to book within the County Horseshoe and more.
In public safety measures, the court approved the placement of a bomb dog and handler to be moved from the Sheriff’s Department to Emergency Management. “Having talked to the bomb dog handler, this looks like it is going to be a very good move,” said a Midland County authority. The Sheriff’s Office also received approval for various community outreach initiatives, including a Teddy Bear outreach program and the Sgt. Mike Naylor Memorial Wreath for his anniversary remembrance.
In addition to infrastructure projects, the court addressed construction and environmental management initiatives.The court approved a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract for building a new Justice of the Peace (JP) and approved a Task Work Order for 2025 Community Flood Map (CFM) Assistance and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) services. The work order involves managing flood risk and maintaining stormwater systems to meet environmental regulations
The Commissioners Court approved the purchase of property located at 608 Main Street and authorized an earnest money payment of $10,000 to secure the transaction. The property is said to potentially be used as additional office space for Midland County.
A cemetery matter was also discussed during the meeting. A collapsed headstone was recently discovered at a local cemetery, but it was announced that Midland County workers did not take photo evidence when cleaning up the site. The family involved claimed that county workers were responsible for the damage, though the county denied any wrongdoing. Commissioner Luis Sanchez proposed a policy that would require workers to take photos of headstones for documentation and introduce a process to monitor who is responsible for each headstone and gravesite. Sanchez also proposed splitting the cost of the headstone replacement between the county and the family, but a Midland County authority clarified, “Historically, we have never paid for damage to a headstone unless there was proof that we had done it. Paying without any proof that we did the damage presents constitutional issues in terms of making a gift.” No action was taken on this agenda item.
The court also accepted a donation letter from Bobcat Draw Holdings, LLC and passed several deed agreements for the reconstruction of West County Road 160.
The next meeting of the Midland County Commissioners Court is scheduled for Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom at the Midland County Courthouse.