Midland County Commissioners Court met Feb. 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the court:
Be it remembered that on Tuesday the 3rd day of February 2026 at 9:01 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 Michael Sanchez from True lite Christian Fellowship Church.
3. Pledges of Allegiances.
4. Receive presentation from Sewell Fleet Management.
Presented by Simon Reed, Sewell Fleet Success Manager. Mr. Reed introduced Courtney Graham, In-shop Coordinator and Brian Fittery, Account Manager. The optimal workflow was presented. Commissioner Anderson asked how the employees are reacting to the new workflow. Commissioner Hall stated he has heard positive feedback from employees. Mr. Reed discussed transparency in billing. Mr. Reed then discussed the first quarterly maintenance and repair expenses. Commissioner Villela clarified the subscription fee for each vehicle. Mr. Reed stated each vehicle would be prorated. Commissioner Hall asked about unrepaired vehicles Sewell inherited. Mr. Reed didn’t have a list of vehicles but estimated it to be about $45,000.00. Commissioner Villela stated that he, Dennis Yates, Fleet Manager and a Sewell representative have a meeting every Monday during which they discuss any issues. Dennis Yates, Fleet Manager, discussed the carryover, stating there were 8 vehicles. Mr. Yates discussed some areas he would like to see some improvement. County Judge Johnson asked about the backlog of equipment, Mr. Yates stated the backlog has gone down. Exhibit: 14-23
5. Receive presentation from Dana Safety.
Presented by Jeremy Ross and Michael Jones Regional Sales Manager for DANA Safety Supply. They have an office in Lubbock that would be the one that would service Midland County. They presented 2 videos to the Court members. They would like the Court to consider using them for upfitting law enforcement vehicles. They mentioned there are grants available. They have also worked with Sewell in the past. Exhibit: 24
6. Receive presentation from Curtis Martin on My Preparedness Initiative program.
Presented by Curtis Martin, DAR Agent with Texas A&M AgriLife. Mr. Martin discussed a youth based education program teaching a wide range of skills for homegrown preparedness’ to youth ranging from 13 to 19 years old. We can help provide relief for local Emergency Management. There is also a future wildfire presentation discussed. Exhibit: 25-28
7. Receive presentation from TAC Risk Management. Ernest Galindo.
Tabled.
8. Acknowledge Racial Profiling Report for Sheriff’s Office.
Presented by Sheriff Criner.
Motion to acknowledge the Sheriff’s Racial Profiling report.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 29-38
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
9. Discuss and take action reimbursing fuel charges to TAG Administrator Philip Partin.
Presented by Sheriff Criner and Philip Patin, TAG Administrator. Two receipts for $94.17 and $24.86 total $119.03.
Motion that we pay Philip Partin $119.03 from Sheriff’s Office fuel fund.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 39-41
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None Call item 35
10. 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 Constable 2.
d. Acknowledge monthly reports for Constable 3.
e. Acknowledge Racial Profiling Report for Constable 4.
f. Take action on out-of-state travel for Investigator Ken Colston to attend the IAAI conference in St. Louis, MO, April 26-30, 2026
Motion to approve the consent agenda.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 42-117
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
11. Discuss and take action on line item transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. There were 3 line-item transfers.
Motion to approve line-item transfers.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 118-121
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
12. Discuss and take action on bills and wire transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. There was one exception for the bills.
Motion we approve bills and wire transfers with the exception.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 122-129
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
13. Discuss and take action on Cemetery Columbarium Policies and Procedures.
David Sapp, Cemetery Director presented the policy and pricing for the new columbarium. Motion to approve the Cemetery Columbarium policies and procedures.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 130-135
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
14. Discuss and take action on purchase of Axon Body Cameras for Warrant Services Investigators.
Presented by Jorge Martinez, Warrant Services Chief. We have a quote from Axon for $25,576.00 for 6 body cameras and required equipment.
Motion to approve purchase of Axon body cameras for Warrant Services Investigators.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 136-144
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
15. Discuss and take action on additional funds for law enforcement supplies for Constable 3.
Presented by Constable Cook, Precinct 3. Requesting $2,700.00 for an entry tool and a bulletproof vest.
Motion to add the additional funds as presented from contingency to Constable Precinct 3.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 145-146
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
16. Discuss and take action on Horseshoe 2025 non-revenue events.
Presented by Steven Garcia, Horseshoe Director. These are past events. Veronica Morales, Auditor asked a few questions.
Move we approve the Horseshoe 2025 non-revenue events.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 147-148
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
17. Discuss and take action on Health Equity General Terms and Conditions for COBRA services.
Presented by Mona Porras, HR Director.
Motion that we approve the Health Equity general terms and conditions for COBRA services.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 149-176
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
18. Discuss and take action on purchase of canine unit for Emergency Management.
Presented by Justin Bunch, Emergency Management Coordinator. Secondary Vendor for arson dog $16,000.00
Motion to approve purchase of canine unit for Emergency Management.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 177-178
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
19. Discuss and take action on plat for Sheriff Gary Painter Subdivision.
Presented by Andrew Avis, Public Works Director. This is a plat we are submitting to the City of Midland.
Motion that the Judge sign the plat for Gary Painter subdivision.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 179-183
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
20. Discuss and take action on plat for Pony Express.
Presented by Andrew Avis, Public Works Director. This is a replat.
Motion to authorize the County Judge to sign the Pony Express replat.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 184-195
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
21. Discuss and take action on requested variances at Sagebrush Acres Subdivision.
Presented by Andrew Avis, Public Works Director. They would like the streets to be privately maintained, reduce the width to 20 foot wide, and it will be caliche instead of asphalt. The roads are being maintained by the subdivision. Commissioner Anderson stated that we should not make changes to the standards that you have developed for the County.
Ed Armond with Magrym Consulting stated that they do have an HOA and Deed restrictions. The Developer managing the HOA will maintain the roads.
Motion that we not approve the variances.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 196-193
For: Hall, Anderson Against: Somers, Johnson Abstaining: Villela
Motion fails.
Motion to authorize the developer to apply requested variances to the Sagebrush Acres plat.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 188-201
For: Somers, Johnson, Villela Against: Anderson Abstaining: Hall
Motion passes.
22. Discuss and take action on purchase of new stationary pressure washer.
Presented by G.W. Hanson, Operations Manager, Public Works. Current pressure washer does not work.
Motion that we allow the purchase of a new stationary pressure washer.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 202-204
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
23. Discuss and take action on Parkhill Work Authorization for reconstruction of WCR 160 miles 1 & 2.
Presented by G.W. Hanson, Operations Manager, Public Works.
Motion that we authorize Parkhill work authorization for reconstruction of WCR 160 miles 1 and 2.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 205-214
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
24. Discuss and take action on salaries for ROW Construction Inspector Supervisor and ROW Construction Inspector positions.
Presented by G.W. Hanson, Operations Manager, Public Works. Mr. Hanson would like to offer higher pay for those positions. The funds are in the Capital Projects fund. The proposed step and grade for the Supervisor position is a 21 step 14 $104,299.43 and the Inspector position at a grade 20 step 10.5 $86,475.17.
Motion to raise the salary for the Inspector Supervisor to a 21.14 and the Inspector to a 20. 10.5. effective immediately.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 215-232
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
25. Discuss and take action on purchase of Network Microwave link for Henderson Tower.
Presented by Javier Chacon, IT Director. This is a budgeted item.
Motion that we purchase Network microwave link for the Henderson street tower.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 233-234
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
26. Discuss and take action on purchase of Paper Cut Printing expansion. Table.
27. Discuss and take action on Ricoh Lease Agreements.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. The County Clerk’s office is replacing 33 desktop printers with the silver service plan.
Motion to approve Ricoh Lease agreement as presented.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 235-242
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
28. Discuss and take action on purchase of vehicles and upfitting.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. We have quotes from Sewell with upfitting done by Pro-Fit. They will come to us upfitted.
SO-ADMIN 2026 Tahoe – $66,978.50
SO-ADMIN TAG 2026 2026 GMC Elevation – $68,588.50
SO-PAT TAG 2026 Tahoe – $91,570.00
SO-CHS 2026 Tahoe – $72,787.50 (trade ins will be added) the amount will go down. SO-C&W (2) 2026 Tahoes – $72,787.50 (trade ins will be added) the amount will go down SO-CID (3) 2026 Tahoes – $72,477 (trade ins will be added) the amount will go down SO-CID (5) 2026 Silverado 1500’s – $68,588.50 (trade ins will be added) the amount will go down. I also have $91,500 worth of trade in’s being divided amongst these vehicles
Motion that we allow purchasing to purchase the list of vehicles and upfitting with trade-ins as listed.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 243-259
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
29. Discuss and take action on Letter of Understanding with Sewell regarding Pro-Fit Upfitting.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. This is a letter of understanding through Sewell. Russell Malm, County Attorney, stated it is now a contract and they made a number of changes.
Motion to approve Letter of Understanding and have the Judge sign it with Sewell regarding Pro-Fit upfitting.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 260-265
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
30. Discuss and take action on agreements and payment of budgeted funds to approved non-profit organizations.
Presented by Jenny Hilton, County Judge Executive Administrator. This is the approval for the annual contribution of $60,000.00 for Centers for Children and Families.
Move that we approve the agreement and payment for Centers for Children and Families in the amount of $60,000.00.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 266-272
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
31. Discuss and take action on donation of surplus radios to Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission.
Presented by John McDaniel, Regional Radio System Manager for the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission. Commissioner Hall stated the upside to this is we do not get much if we sell the radios and this way they can benefit some of the smaller Fire Departments. Commissioner Hall made a motion to donate surplus radios to the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission. Before the motion received a second Javier Chacon, IT Director stated that he did not have a problem donating the radios, they would just have to make sure they wiped them before they donated them and that would come at a cost. Commissioner Villela seconded the motion. Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent stated that she would need a list of radios that they want to donate. Commissioner Villela removed his second and Commissioner Hall stated that he would restate his motion. County Attorney Russel Malm stated they would need to have an agreement between the two agencies. Tabled for more information.
32. Discuss and take action on support for public-safety radio infrastructure at the Gardendale and Midland Oxy sites to support regional interoperability.
Presented by John McDaniel, Regional Radio System Manager for the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission. The grant funding has ended. Mr. McDaniel is requesting $20,150.00 for the loss of grant funds. This is not part of the Midland County towers, according to Javier Chacon, IT Director.
Motion that we pay $20,150.00 to support the Gardendale and Midland Oxy sites to support regional interoperability. As bad as I hate it, contingency.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 273-275
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
33. Discuss and take action creating and funding Deputy Constable position for Constable 3 including salary, vehicle, equipment, uniforms and necessary gear.
Judge Johnson stated that the Constable is required to submit a letter to the court requesting a deputy constable. Commissioner Villela stated they are just creating the position now and asked Constable Cook to submit a letter in time for next court. Judge Johnson stated that he does not understand why they won’t wait for the budget process to create this position. Commissioner Somers stated that he does not understand why they won’t wait for the budget process. Commissioner Villela stated that the court has created new positions and changed the budget several times before, after he would ask to wait for the proper budget time, so he decided to join the team that the other court members have demonstrated.
I move that the Commissioner Court approves the creation and funding of one Deputy Constable for Precinct 3 including at the pay scale of 21.7 with the salary and benefits funded from salary contingency, equipment, uniform and necessary gear funded from county contingency in the amount not to exceed $124,520 as presented to take effect immediately.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 276-278
For: Hall, Villela, Anderson Against: Somers, Johnson Abstaining: None
Judge Johnson stated that funding for contingency was set using previous numbers. What is happening today will ham-string them at the end of the year. That money is in there for a purpose, and it wasn’t intended to be this purpose. That is why we wait for budget to do these sizable projects.
34. Discuss and take action on job description for Deputy Constable 3.
Presented by Commissioner Villela.
Motion to approve the job description as presented at a pay grade 21.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 279-281
For: Hall, Villela, Anderson Against: Somers, Johnson Abstaining: None
Call item 10
35. Discuss and take action reinstating the deputy for Constable 4 including funds for salary and necessary equipment.
After passing out some backup County Judge Johnson asked Commissioner Hall to refrain from discussing or voting on this item due to a conflict of interest. County Attorney, Russell Malm states that after his research the Attorney General had determined that that is not a conflict of interest. Commissioner Villela asked County Attorney Russell Malm if the documents passed out would change his opinion. Mr. Malm stated he would need time to look over the documents to render an opinion on this opinion.
Commissioner Anderson stated that Constable Hall has submitted a request for a Deputy Constable in writing. Commissioner Anderson stated that Constable Hall is the hardest working Constable and she needs help. Judge Johnson asked Sheriff Criner for the procedure he used during his time as a Constable. Sheriff Criner stated that when he was a Constable if he needed backup, he would contact the Midland Police Department or the Sheriffs Office. Sheriff Criner read a prepared comment and stated that he hopes that they will have equal consideration for the Sheriffs’ Office. Commissioner Villela addressed some of the statements made by Sheriff Criner and thanked the Sheriff for his monthly reports. Commissioner Anderson thanked the Sheriff and stated that Constable Halls’ job has increased a lot in the last year. Commissioner Anderson clarified that the previous Deputy Constable was assisting Constable Hall and not just working traffic.
Item 35 Continued.
Constable Hall addressed the court with a prepared statement. Constable Hall stated she is a law enforcement officer recognized by the State of Texas and she is asking for help. Judge Johnson asked if Constable Hall has asked for backup. She stated that she has asked for help.
Public testimony by Lance Fiday, Midland Texas. Mr. Friday stated that decisions made by the court should be based on verified facts, legal authority, physical impact and long-term consequences for the people who pay the bills. This Court exists to support the Taxpayers, and this tug of war needs to stop. Commissioner Anderson asked Mr. Friday how much money he donated to the County Judges campaign. County Judge Johnson stated the amount was $5,000.00. Both Mr. Friday and Judge Johnson asked Commissioner Anderson what that has to do with his testimony today. Commissioner Anderson stated that Mr. Friday was asked to speak today. Commissioner Hall stated that Mr. Friday has some good points, but this goes back to when the County Judge took the Deputy Constable away from them. Mr. Friday stated that this is not a personal attack against anyone, but all 5 court members should be in agreement when they are spending 2-3 hundred thousand dollars or more out of contingency funds in the middle of the budget cycle. Commissioner Villela asked Mr. Friday if he would like more law enforcement in his precinct. Mr. Friday stated that he believes that law enforcement in this town is adequate.
Commissioner Hall asked the County Attorney if he could vote on this item. Mr. Malm stated that he has given the opinion in the past based on research that you are not prohibited from doing so. I have looked at these ethics’ advisories, and I don’t find anything stating what is indicated on this document. So, I am not aware of anything that prohibits you from voting.
County Judge Johnson stated that Constable Hall could appoint the Counties PIO as hers and then she would not have to do the training. He then addressed Commissioner Anderson and said that she had made a statement that caused him to change his mind. Judge Johnson said that Commissioner Anderson had stated to him that she wanted Constable Hall to have an assistant because she is a female. He stated that is sexism in reverse. That is when he had a change of heart about what they had done. Judge Johnson then asked for a detailed list of what equipment they are requesting. He then asked for copies for all court members.
10:36 a.m. take a 10-minute break.
10:48 a.m. back into Regular Session.
Public testimony by Stacy Gonzalez, Midland Texas. Ms. Gonzalez asked the court how she would be able to use the resources of law enforcement along with the Constables to help ensure public safety. Commissioner Anderson thanked Ms. Gonzalez for speaking out and stated that they were all trying to deal with supporting law enforcement at whatever level. Commissioner Anderson said they need to support law enforcement to protect the community. Precinct 4 has the most apartment buildings so Constable Hall is very busy.
Constable Hall apologized for not being prepared. I have provided back up to everyone. Constable Hall requested a total of $6,060.00 for decals for the existing vehicle, bullet proof vest, docking station for the vehicle and a county cell phone and sim card to fit out of the Deputy Constable position.
Constable Cook, Precinct 3 addressed the court stating that it does not matter if you are male or female the workload has increased and the wait time for backup can take up to 45 minutes.
Commissioner Anderson stated that the reason for asking for this out of the normal budget cycle is because they are not asking for a vehicle and they can move the salary from Warrant Services, and she only needs 6,060.00 to refit a Deputy Constable.
Item 35 Continued.
Commissioner Anderson made a Motion that we reinstate the Deputy Constable for Precinct 4. To include that with $6,060.00 for the equipment as presented by Constable Hall, coming from contingency and the salary to come from salary contingency. Before this motion received a second the conversation continued.
Commissioner Somers stated that he would like them to wait for budget time to address this issue. He supports law enforcement, but he believes this is a budget item. He would like to see every precinct to receive a Deputy Constable, but it should be a budgeted item.
Commissioner Anderson stated that she agrees and that she has visited with Jorge Martinez, Warrant Services Chief, and stated to him that we gave you that position and can we have it back. So, it would be just moving that position back over. She did not know what the grade and step would be. Commissioner Anderson stated that she could restate her motion. Before she could restate her motion Judge Johnson stated that Judge Subia would like to speak.
Judge Subia, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, addressed the court. Judge Subia stated that she knows how dangerous the job is and she has served in law enforcement and has been in those situations. Judge Subia stated that removing a person from Warrant Services that help her court but not provide her Precinct with a Deputy Constable is not right. All 4 Precincts need a Deputy Constable.
Jorge Martinez, Warrant Services Chief, addressed the court. Chief Martinez stated that he agrees everyone needs more help. He wished he had heard about this before today. Russell Malm, County Attorney, informed Commissioner Anderson that because of the way the item is agendized they could not remove a position from Warrant Services at this time. Commissioner Anderson stated that she did not need to restate her motion she would leave it as is.
Motion that we reinstate the Deputy Constable for Precinct 4. To include that with $6,060.00 for the equipment as presented by Constable Hall, coming from contingency and the salary to come from salary contingency, a grade 21.7.
Commissioner Anderson stated that we have a motion and a second and called for a question, this was seconded by Commissioner Villela, and Commissioner Villela stated that it automatically goes to a vote. Judge Johnson stated we have a motion and a second.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 282-291
For: Hall, Villela, Anderson Against: Somers, Johnson Abstaining: None
Judge Johnson stated that he believes that it is wrong for Commissioner Hall to be voting for something that affects her (Constable Hall) department. Commissioner Hall stated the County Attorney stated that he could vote. Judge Johnson stated that ethically and morally it’s wrong for you to vote for anything that affects her department.
Call item 33
36. Conduct Executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to discuss personnel matters.
11:52 a.m. go into Executive Session
12:01 p.m. back into Regular Session
37. Discuss and take action on Commissioners’ Court participating in walking quorum. Tabled
38. Adjourn.
Motion to adjourn.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None Adjourn at 12:01 p.m.
https://www.co.midland.tx.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02032026-491