The Midland County Commissioners Court convened on Oct. 15 to address various county matters, with decisions made on law enforcement, public health, and infrastructure.
One of the major actions taken was the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission for office and classroom space at the new Law Enforcement Building (LEB). The spaces will be office space for administrative personnel, a dedicated classroom for teaching a specific class, and a temporary classroom for the five different basic county correction courses that are held throughout the year.
In addition, the Commissioners Court officially declared the Permian Basin Law Enforcement Academy (PBLEA) a public purpose for the Midland County Sheriff's Office. This designation allows for increased focus on law enforcement education and training, benefiting both current and future officers in the region.
Several budget amendments and financial agreements were also on the docket. The court approved the Texas State Library & Archives Commission’s FY2024 Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Lending Reimbursement Award, which provided $7,165 to the county. This funding will support the county’s interlibrary loan program, enhancing access to library resources for residents. Additional funding requests included the approval of payments for equipment and furnishings for the District Attorney’s Office.
Library facilities and policies were discussed and approved. Among these was the replacement of the chilled water coil at the Library at the Plaza. A Midland County official discussed that the current water coil is deteriorating and leaking, and requires an entire replacement. Additionally, new policies and procedures for the county's library system were enacted, which include the implementation of themed grouping for books and age restrictions on access to sexually explicit materials.
The next regular meeting of the Midland County Commissioners Court is scheduled for Oct. 29 at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom at the Midland County Courthouse.