Midland County Commissioners Court met Feb. 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the court:
Be it remembered that on Tuesday the 17th day of February 2026 at 9:00 a.m. a meeting of the Midland County Commissioners’ Court was called to order in the Commissioners Courtroom, located at the Midland County Courthouse, 500 North Loraine Street, Midland, Texas.
The following members were present:
TERRY JOHNSON, County Judge
CHARLES HALL, County Commissioner Precinct No. 1
JEFF SOMERS, County Commissioner Precinct No. 2
STEVEN VILLELA, County Commissioner Precinct No. 3
DIANNE ANDERSON, County Commissioner Precinct No. 4
Recorded by Alison Haley, County Clerk.
1. Call to Order.
2. Invocation given by Pastor Dan Newburg from Fannin Terrace Baptist Church
3. Pledges of Allegiances.
4. Discuss and take action designating Courtrooms at Judge David M. Cobos Midland County Courthouse Annex as alternate courtrooms for Midland County District Courts, County Courts at Law, and County Court.
Presented by County Judge Johnson
Motion that we designate the courtrooms at the Judge David M. Cobos Midland County Courthouse Annex as alternate courtrooms for Midland County District Courts, County Courts at Law and County Court.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Somers Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
Call item 6 and 7
5. Discuss and take action on amended Securus Contract with new FCC rates. Presented by Sheriff Criner. The rates have changed.
Motion that we take action on amended Securus contract with new FCC rates.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Villela Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
6. Discuss and take action on purchase of Digital WatchDog Server & Licenses using TAG funds for Sheriff’s office.
Presented by Sheriff Criner and Philip Partin Permian Basin TAG Administrator. This will provide storage for video evidence on pole cameras in TAG operations.
Motion that we purchase the Digital WatchDog Server & Licenses using TAG funds for the Sheriff’s office.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Somers Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
7. Discuss and take action issuing credit card for TAG Unit for travel and expenses of County and Non-County employees.
Presented by Sheriff Criner and Philip Partin, Permian Basin TAG Administrator. This credit card will be utilized to pay for travel and expenses for County and Non-County employees. The Tag Grant provides $60,000.00 in training funds; The credit card would assist in accurately accounting expenditures in our funding process. Auditor, Veronica Morales, joined the conversation stating the Sheriff’s Office already has a credit card for emergencies.
Motion to issue credit card for TAG Unit for travel and expenses of County and Non-County employees.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Hall Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
8. Discuss and take action declaring June 19th as a county holiday.
Sheriff Criner stated that he is standing up for all county employees while requesting the court declare June 19th a county holiday. Mary Helen Bowers, Tax Assessor Collector, stated that she was planning on requesting June 19th to be a holiday closure during the budget process.
Commissioner Hall asked for Ms. Bowers’ opinion on using a skeleton crew. Ms. Bowers stated that she cannot do that in her office. Jenny Hilton, County Judge, Executive Administrator stated that the court sets the county holidays before October 1st as required by statute. County Judge Johnson stated that it cost over a quarter of a million dollars to shut this whole place down for one day. He also suggested swapping this holiday with another holiday. Commissioner Villela stated that Juneteenth is an important holiday in Texas and we need to have more discussions. Sheriff Criner stated that he believes that time is now. Commissioner Anderson stated that she would like to wait for more feedback from the county employees. Judge Johnson stated that he would like some time to think about this. Commissioner Villela stated they are currently working on the County policy. No action taken.
9. Consent Agenda:
a. Take action on personnel memoranda.
b. Take action on submitted applications for permits to use county right-of-way for utility and line installations, driveway construction, road dedication, and mailbox construction.
c. Acknowledge monthly report for Warrant Services.
d. Acknowledge monthly report for Constable 1.
e. Acknowledge monthly report for Constable 2.
f. Acknowledge annual report for Constable 2.
g. Acknowledge racial profiling report for Constable 2.
h. Acknowledge monthly report for Constable 3.
i. Acknowledge annual report for Constable 3.
j. Acknowledge racial profiling report for Constable 3.
k. Acknowledge monthly report for JP 1.
l. Acknowledge monthly report for JP 2.
m. Acknowledge monthly report for JP 4.
n. Take action on out-of-state travel for Lex Archuleta and Clarissa Prieto to attend Tyler Connect 2026 conference in Las Vegas, NV, April 7-10, 2026.
o. Take action on out-of-state travel for Damariss Carrasco to attend Cellebrite Close to Closure Summit conference in Washington, D.C., April 13-17, 2026.
p. Acknowledge Summary of All Collections for Tax Office.
q. Acknowledge court fees for County Clerk’s office.
r. Acknowledge C&W Fee Collection report.
s. Acknowledge Detention fees.
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Hall Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
10. Discuss and take action on line item transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor.
Motion to accept all line-item transfers.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
11. Discuss and take action on bills and wire transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. There were a few exceptions to the bills for no PO. Motion to accept all bills and wire transfers.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
12. Discuss and acknowledge FY 2025 Horseshoe Income Statement.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. We are still in the red by $164,287 but a lot better than in previous years. Commissioner Anderson mentioned the free rentals that we give out. Steven Garcia, Horseshoe Director, joined the conversation. I
Move to acknowledge the FY 2025 Horseshoe Income Statement.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
13. Discuss and take action on additional funds for court appointed attorneys for Child Protection Court.
Judge Ellen Griffith, Child Protection Court, informed the court of her need for $200,000.00 more for court appointed attorneys. She underestimated the amount of funds needed during the budget process.
Motion that we move $200,000.00 out of contingency into court appointed attorneys for Child Protection Court.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Hall Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
14. Discuss and take action on Deputy Constable for Precinct 3.
There was some discussion. Tabled.
15. Discuss and take action replacing 5-ton package unit for JP 2 & 4.
Presented by Eddie Melendez, Horseshoe Director. They have a quote of $16,296.00. Motion to accept and replace the 5-ton AC unit at JP 2 & 4 building.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
16. Discuss and take action replacing chill water pump at Courthouse.
Presented by Eddie Melendez, Horseshoe Director.
Move that we approve replacing the chill water pump at the Courthouse.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
17. Receive department report from Facilities.
Presented by Eddie Melendez, Facilities Director. Mr. Melendez went over the written report he submitted. Clint Yonts, Public Works Non-Capital Projects Manager, discussed the 509 building. Exhibit:
18. Discuss and take action on Maverick work authorization for construction of WCR 145.
Presented by G.W. Hanson, Public Works, Operations Manager and Commissioner Villela. Judge Johnson asked Commissioner Villela how he chose Maverick for this project. Commissioner Villela stated that they are on the vendor list, and he does know the owner. Judge Johnson stated that this project should be discussed during the next budget process. Commissioner Anderson stated that Maverick has a good reputation with the City of Midland. Commissioner Villela stated that it is just $122,000 to have the study done. Commissioner Anderson asked Andrew Avis, Public Works Director, to explain the process for designing and picking roads. Commissioner Somers stated that he would like this to be discussed during the budget process. Commissioner Villela stated that there are residents there, there is a drainage issue so let’s get this road paved. Commissioner Anderson suggested that we wait for the proper process. Commissioner Villela stated that he would table this item.
19. Discuss and take action on payment to Energy Transfer pursuant to Reimbursement Agreement on SCR 1130.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works, Capital Projects Manager. The work has been done.
Motion to authorize payment to Energy Transfer pursuant to Reimbursement Agreement on SCR 1130.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Hall Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
20. Discuss and take action on agreement with OpenGov, Inc.
Presented by G.W. Hanson, Public Works Capital Projects Manager and Andrew Avis Public Works Director. Replacing existing asset management software. This can also assist in the permitting process. This is a 3-year agreement. Commissioner Villela touted the benefits of this software. Veronica Morales, Auditor, asked why they are moving away from the current software, I-works. Mr. Avis stated that I-works is not on a state board contract. Mr. Avis stated that he does not want to go out for bid for this type of software because it would be difficult. Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent, stated that the County has written an RFP for software in the past. Andy Rousos, OpenGov, Inc. Account Executive addressed the court and answered their questions. Veronica Morales, Auditor joined the conversation. Javier Chacon, IT Director, joined the conversation. This has been budgeted for.
Motion to approve the execution of the agreement with OpenGov Inc.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Hall Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
21. Receive update on non-capital projects.
Presented by Clint Yonts, Public Works Non-Capital Projects Manager. Mr. Yonts went over the submitted report with the court. Exhibit:
22. Discuss and take action on proposal from Mid-Tex of Midland to complete Phase II, Phase III and Alt. #01 at 509 N. Loraine.
Presented by Clint Yonts, Public Works Non-Capital Projects Manager. This is a budgeted project.
Motion to approve the proposal from Mid-Tex of Midland to complete Phase II, Phase III and Alt. #01 at 509 N. Loraine.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
23. Receive department report from I.T.
Presented by Javier Chacon, IT Director. Mr. Chacon discussed the report presented in backup. Audiovisual project was discussed. Proud of his team. Phone system update will be finished soon. Exhibit:
24. Discuss and take action on Network Hardware for refresh of current network equipment. Presented by Javier Chacon, IT Director. This is a budgeted item.
Move we approve the Network Hardware for refresh of the current network equipment.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
25. Discuss and take action on purchase of Paper Cut Printing Upgrade & Expansion. Tabled.
26. Discuss and take action on purchase of vehicles and upfitting.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. These are budgeted vehicles. Caldwell Country Chevrolet and AEP for upfitting for 2 Road and Bridge vehicles. 2026 Chevrolet Silverado ½ ton for $51,000.00 – AEP upfitting $14,063.27. Another 2026 Chevy Silverado ¾ ton for $71,216.00 – AEP upfitting $13,395.82. A vehicle for the Constable 3 Deputy with a quote from Sewell for a 2026 Tahoe for $59,254.00 – AEP upfitting $21,613.32.
Motion to purchase all vehicles and upfitting.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
27. Discuss and take action declaring surplus items as salvage.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl Purchasing Agent. Library had 46 jetpacks with grant funds, and Library Laptop Kiosk 12 bay host station. Road and Bridge tanks asset 336 and 852.
Move that we approve declaring surplus items as salvage as presented.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
28. Discuss and take action on process of evaluations for Department Heads.
Commissioner Villela stated that since they hire the Department Heads as a Court, he would like to have some input on the evaluations. Commissioner Villela stated they could conduct the evaluations during Executive Session. Judge Johnson stated that he was the one who started the evaluation process and each Department Head was evaluated by assigned court members. There was some discussion. Mona Porras, H.R. Director, joined the conversation expressing her agreement with County Judge Johnson. Commissioner Anderson stated that she would like to do her own evaluation of Department Heads. County Judge Johnson stated that he would like to keep the process we have in place. Commissioner Hall asked which Department Heads were assigned to who. Tabled.
29. Discuss and take action changing Commissioners’ Court meeting on March 3, 2026 to another day.
County Judge Johnson pointed out that the March 3rd court meeting was also election day. Everyone stated they are fine keeping this court date the same. Tabled.
30. Adjourn.
Motion to adjourn.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
Adjourned at 10:52 am.
https://www.co.midland.tx.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02172026-492