Government News
Midland County Commissioners approve budget, personnel changes, infrastructure projects
The Midland County Commissioners Court held a regular meeting on Nov. 19. Actions taken included budget adjustments, personnel appointments, and approval of new infrastructure projects.
Blong commends MPD officers, detectives who earned city's Be the Energy Award
Mayor Lori Blong has acknowledged the latest recipients of the city's Be the Energy (BTE) Award, which was given to a group of Midland Police Department officers and detectives.
Latest News
Midland leaders discuss pension fund performance, solutions
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 14, 2024
Midland Times sat down with Mayor Lori Blong and Midland Firefighters’ Retirement Fund (MFRRF) Chairman Justin Graham for a discussion on the city’s pension fund for firefighters, its performance over the past two years, and steps taken to address its underfunding.
Midland City Council approves two new TIRZs to spur economic growth and infrastructure development
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 13, 2024
The Midland City Council voted on Nov. 12 to approve creation of two new Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) aimed at promoting economic growth, supporting public infrastructure, and enhancing community amenities. TIRZs are designed to support economic development by using the incremental increase in property tax and sales tax revenue from new development to reinvest in the zone’s infrastructure and public projects.
Midland City Council approves official funding plan for firefighter’s pension fund
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 13, 2024
The Midland City Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Nov. 12 to address the funding shortfall in the Midland Firemen's Relief and Retirement Fund, which currently does not meet the 30-year amortization schedule required by the Texas Pension Review Board. The fund supports retirement and relief benefits for Midland firefighters. It faces a growing unfunded liability that currently stands at $120.94 million as of Dec. 31, 2023, according to the most recent actuarial report from Rudd & Wisdom, Inc.
Midland celebrates Municipal Courts Week
By Midland Times | Nov 7, 2024
The city of Midland has been engaged in the celebration of Municipal Courts Week.
Midland County Election Unofficial Results
By Midland Times | Nov 7, 2024
The Midland County Elections Office has reported a voter turnout of 59.33%, with 58,743 ballots cast out of 99,004 registered voters. The results are current as of Nov. 6 at 5:16 a.m.
Midland City Council and Firemen’s Pension Board hold special meetings on retirement fund solutions
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 5, 2024
The Midland City Council and the Board of Trustees for the Midland Firemen’s Relief and Retirement Fund (MFRRF) held separate special meetings on Nov. 4 to discuss proposals to address the retirement fund’s unfunded liabilities.
MPD urges residents to practice continuous caution when interacting with door-to-door solicitors
By Midland Times | Nov 4, 2024
The Midland Police Department (MPD) has addressed concerns from residents regarding door-to-door solicitors, providing guidance on how to interact with them.
Midland Development Corporation approves lease, name change amendments
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 4, 2024
On Nov. 4, the Midland Development Corporation (MDC) unanimously passed resolutions to amend a lease agreement with Castelion Corporation and to update the Economic Development Agreement with Starfighters Space Texas.
Criner reports three MCSO arrests for October
By Midland Times | Nov 2, 2024
Midland County Sheriff David Criner reported that the Midland County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) made three significant arrests last month.
Blong on firefighter pension plan: ‘I want to take action on this’
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 1, 2024
Mayor Lori Blong, member of the Midland Firefighter Pension Trustees, said she wants to make a decision on the proposed plan to help the city’s underfunded pension system for firefighters “as fast as possible.” She made the statement on Oct. 30 after agreeing to postpone a vote on the plan for 72 hours.
PFAM President: Pension plan deferral ‘disappointing to Midland firefighters’
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 1, 2024
Jesse Martinez, President of the Professional Firefighters Association of Midland (PFAM), said area firefighters are disappointed in the decision to postpone a proposed plan to improve pension funding for firefighters, saying the plan could have “easily been accepted.” He made his statement following the Midland Firefighter Pension Trustees meeting on Oct. 30 after a vote on the deferral passed.
Midland Firefighter Pension Trustees discuss, defer plan for pension fund
By DaLeesa Brown | Oct 31, 2024
The Midland Firefighter Pension Trustees met on Oct. 30 to discuss a plan to improve funding of the pension system that supports retired area firefighters. The pension is currently short of funding to meet retirement obligations to the City of Midland’s firefighters.
Midland County Commissioners Court Meeting Recap: Oct. 29
By DaLeesa Brown | Oct 29, 2024
The Midland County Commissioners Court convened on Oct. 29 at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom at the Midland County Courthouse to cover motions, presentations and proclamations related to county operations.
Midland observes National First Responders Day
By Midland Times | Oct 28, 2024
Monday marks National First Responders Day across the United States, with the city of Midland participating in the nationwide observance.
Midland fleet specialist a nominee for BTE Award
By Midland Times | Oct 25, 2024
A fleet specialist with the city of Midland has been nominated for its Be the Energy (BTE) Award.
MPD advises residents about 'confidential legal matters' phone scam
By Midland Times | Oct 24, 2024
The Midland Police Department (MPD) has issued a warning to residents about a phone scam involving callers who impersonate officials from the Permian Basin law enforcement agency.
Midland City Council Meeting Recap: Oct. 22
By DaLeesa Brown | Oct 23, 2024
The Midland City Council held a regular meeting on Oct. 22 to address resolutions impacting the community.
Midland City Council meeting agenda for Oct. 22
By DaLeesa Brown | Oct 21, 2024
The Midland City Council will meet on Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. to discuss agenda items ranging from concessions at local facilities to infrastructure projects and economic development initiatives.