Midland County Commissioners Court met March 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the court:
Be it remembered that on Tuesday the 3rd day of March 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 by Pastor Will Hobbs from Kelview Heights Baptist Church.
3. Pledges of Allegiances.
4. Discuss and take action on purchase of TruNarc Digital Drug Analyzer for TAG Unit.
Presented by Sheriff Criner and Phillip Patin Permian Basin TAG Administrator. This is for field testing narcotics. This will be purchased with TAG grant funds. The quote is $36,246.35.
Move we approve the TruNarc digital drug analyzer.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 11-21
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
5. Discuss and take action on Interlocal Agreement with Ector County for TAG Analysts to access Ector County records.
Presented by Sheriff Criner and Phillip Patin Permian Basin TAG Administrator. This is funded out of TAG grant.
Motion that we authorize the County Judge to sign the Interlocal Agreement between Midland County Sheriff’s Office and Ector County Sheriff’s Office to give TAG Analysts access to Ector County records.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 22-28
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
6. Acknowledge vehicle trade for TAG Administrator.
Presented by Sheriff Criner and Phillip Patin Permian Basin TAG Administrator. Motion that we acknowledge the vehicle trade for the TAG Administrator.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 29
For: Somers, Johnson, Villela, Anderson Against: None Abstaining: None
Commissioner Hall did not vote.
7. Discuss and take action on application and resolution for FY2027 TAG Grant.
Presented by Sheriff Criner and Phillip Patin Permian Basin TAG Administrator. We are requesting authorization to apply for the FY2027 TAG grant funds. $2.682 Million.
Motion to approve and have the County Judge sign the TAG grant for FY2027.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 30-32
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
8. Acknowledge giving Facilities gym equipment purchased in FY2025 from Sheriff’s donation account.
Presented by Sheriff Criner. Tabled for more information.
9. Discuss and take action on amended Multiple Use Agreement for installation of Flock Cameras on TxDOT right of ways for Sheriff’s Office.
Presented by Sheriff Criner. We are adding 8 additional flock cameras.
Motion that we approve the Multiple Use Agreement for installation of Flock cameras on TxDOT right of ways for the Sheriff’s Office.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 33-35
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
10. Discuss and take action on payment of food, hotel and stall for Randy Scannell to attend the Unified Mounted Patrol Training in Taylor, TX, April 6 – 9, 2026.
Presented by Sheriff Criner and Sgt. Johnny Rodriguez. Tabled for more information.
11. Discuss and take action on purchase of X-Ray system in the amount of $54,775.34 from Protective Technologies Internation for Justice of the Peace building.
Presented by Sheriff Criner.
Motion to approve the purchase of the X-ray system for $54,800.00 Protective Technologies International Justice of the Peace building and Constable building.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 36-38
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
Recalled by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. We need acknowledgment that this is an exception to Midland County’s bid threshold of $50,000.00.
Motion to purchase X-ray system in the amount $54,776.00 from Protective Technologies International for Justice of the Peace building and Constable building with an exception to our purchasing policy.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 36-38
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
12. Receive update from Animal Control with Sheriff’s Office.
Presented by Sheriff Criner. Sheriff Criner described the process for issuing a writ of possession. Sheriff Criner explained that a previous statement made by Constable Cook claiming he did not receive prompt assistance when he requested it was incorrect. Commissioner Villela asked some questions. Exhibit: 39-40
Recalled item 11.
Call item 19
13. Receive report from Warrant Services and Fire Marshal.
Hold until after Executive Session.
Commissioner Hall asked Chief Jorge Martinez about restricted camera access in his office. Chief Martinez stated that he has not restricted any camera access. Commissioner Hall then asked if Chief Martinez had created a supervisor position. Chief Martinez stated that he is waiting for budget time. County Attorney Russell Malm joined the conversation stating due to a camera in the building recording both video and audio, he had IT shut that camera down. Chief Martinez presented his written report to the court. Exhibit: 41-42
14. Discuss Warrant Services closing on Tuesdays.
Hold until after Executive Session.
Commissioner Hall stated that the court never approved the Warrant Services office closing on Tuesdays. Jorge Martinez, Warrant Services Chief responded stating technically they are not closing early, we are just following what the JP’s in the same office are doing. They are in the office working. Lidya Jimenez, Warrant Services Administrator, explained that the office is still
open and they just close the door to help catch up on scanning warrants so they can go paperless. This is just temporary. They are about 60% done. Commissioner Anderson questioned Ms. Jimenez about the doors being closed. Ms. Jimenz stated there is a sign on the door. Exhibit 41-42
Call item 32
15. 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 4.
d. Acknowledge Treasurer’s Report.
e. Acknowledge Quarterly Investment Report.
f. Acknowledge completion of required training for Midland County Treasurer.
g. Acknowledge completion of required training for Midland County Investment Officer, Sara Gray.
h. Acknowledge accident reports for Units #15676, 15652 and 25656.
i. Take action on out-of-state travel for Honor Guard members Samuel Garces, Eloisa “Irene” Ramirez, James Lujan, Karely Lopez Melendez, Major Alma Acosta and Chief Eggleston to attend Police Week in Washington, D.C., May 10 – 15, 2026.
Motion to approve consent agenda.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 43-187
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
16. Discuss and take action on line item transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. No line item transfers.
Motion that we acknowledge that you have no line-item transfers.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Somers Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
17. Discuss and take action on bills and wire transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. There were some exceptions.
Move we approve the bills.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 188-197
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
Call item 20
18. Receive presentation from District Attorney Glenn Harwood on Axon/Evidence.com.
Glenn Harwood, District Attorney, introduced the concept of using Axon/Evidence.com as a solution to assist his office with digital discovery management. Javier Chacon, IT Director, joined the conversation acknowledging the large amount of digital discovery. No action required. Exhibit: 198-199
Call item 21
19. Discuss and take action on request letter and hiring position for Deputy Constable 3.
Constable Cook, Precinct 3, presented a written request to hire Matthew Stewart as his new Deputy Constable. County Judge asked how much of a raise will be requested during the next budget process. Constable Cook stated that he would be requesting a raise since he did not get the raise he requested last year even though he used the appeal process.
Motion to allow Constable 3 to hire his Deputy Matthew Stewart.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 200-202
For: Hall, Villela, Against: Somers Abstaining: None
Anderson Johnson
Motion passes.
Call item 15
20. Discuss and take action on resolution appointing Justin Bunch as a member of the Board of Managers to the Midland Emergency Communication District.
Presented by County Judge Johnson and Justin Bunch, Emergency Management Coordinator. Commissioner Villela asked what the criteria are for this position. He also questioned that a specific person was requested.
Move we appoint Justin Bunch as a member of the Board of Managers to the Midland Emergency Commission District.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 203-205
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
Call item 18
21. Discuss and take action on plat for GWISD.
Presented by Andrew Avis, Public Works Director. Russell Malm, County Attorney, suggested that this item has not been agendized correctly. Tabled to be agendized correctly.
22. Discuss and take action on Cintas Uniform agreement for Road & Bridge.
Presented by G.W. Hanson, Public Works Operation Manager. This is a budgeted item and a 3-year agreement. Quote for $8,216.00
Motion to authorize the County Judge to sign the Road and Bridge addendum to the Cintas Uniform agreement.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 206-208
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
23. Discuss and take action on contract amendment with Dunaway for SCR 1110.
Presented by G.W. Hanson, Public Works Operation Manager. Commissioner Anderson asked if the request for sidewalks is allowed. Russell Malm, County Attorney, suggested an interlocal agreement. Commissioner Somers stated that the sidewalk could be struck from the amendment. Mr. Malm stated that if this needs to be approved today the County Judge could make the change and initial it.
Motion to authorize the County Judge to sign the work order authorization with Dunaway for SCR 1110 with #1 portion stricken of Greenwood ISD requesting the addition of a sidewalk.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 209-212
For: Hall, Johnson, Villela, Anderson Against: Somers Abstaining: None
Motion passes.
24. Discuss and take action on work authorization with Dunaway for ECR 90 at Midland Draw.
Presented by G.W. Hanson, Public Works Operation Manager. This is a budgeted item. We are trying to create a PO for ECR 90 by itself
Motion to approve the work authorization with Dunaway for ECR 90 at Midland Draw.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 213-219
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
25. Discuss and take action on contract with Ronald R. Wagner & Co. L.P. for chip seal project.
Presented by G.W. Hanson, Public Works Operation Manager. This is a budgeted item for $5,464,212.74. This is for about 85 miles.
Motion to authorize the County Judge for the 2026 County Chipseal project with Ronald R. Wagner & Co. L.P. in the amount of $5,464,213.00.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 220-223
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
26. Discuss and take action on purchase of outdoor radio cabinet for jail radio tower. Presented by Javier Chacon, IT Director. This is a budgeted project for $20,798.00. Motion that IT purchase an outdoor radio cabinet for the jail radio tower for $20,798.00.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 224-225
For: Somers, Johnson, Villela, Anderson Against: None Abstaining: None
Commissioner Hall did not vote.
27. Discuss and take action reassigning vehicles.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent.
The following vehicle assignments have taken place:
75112 (WS) TO 99036 (LOANER) THEN TO 70409 (CON 4)
15580 (CW) TO SURPLUS
15486 (CSU) TO SURPLUS
15526 (CID) TO SURPLUS
15907 (PAT) TO SURPLUS
15568 (PAT) TO SURPLUS
30248 (Med Exam) TO SURPLUS
15696 traded for 15719
Motion to approve all reassigned vehicles as presented.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 226-238
For: Somers, Johnson, Villela, Anderson Against: None Abstaining: None
Commissioner Hall did not vote.
28. Discuss and take action on RFQ for R&B Materials Testing.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent.
Move we approve an RFQ for R&B materials testing.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 239
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
29. Discuss and take action on agreements and payment of budgeted funds to approved non profit organizations.
Jenny Hilton, County Judge Executive Assistant, presented Agreements for Senior Life and Crime Stoppers. These are budgeted
Motion to approve nonprofit donations and payments to Senior Life for $85,000.00 and Crime Stoppers for $25,000.00.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 240-252
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining: None
30. Discuss and take action updating Personnel Policy 5.08.
County Judge Johnson would like to remove the language of which is a 2% increase from the current policy. Judge Johnson made a motion. Commissioner Anderson asked why this needs to be changed. Judge Johnson stated that it was so the Sheriff can implement his 4% increase. Commissioner Villela stated that this change would restrict the court on salaries. Sara Gray, Treasurer, asked for clarification from Russell Malm, County Attorney, if the second to last paragraph in the policy needs to be addressed with this change. Commissioner Villela is questioning giving some employees a 2% raise and others a 4% raise.
Commissioner Anderson stated: I call the question.
Motion that in the first paragraph we remove the last words which is a 2% increase from the policy.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 253-254
For: Somers, Johnson Against: Hall, Villela, Anderson Abstaining: None
Motion fails.
31. Conduct Executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to discuss personnel matters.
At 9:58 a.m. the Court took a 10-minute break before going into Executive Session. At 10:28 a.m. the Court is back into Open Session.
Call item 13 and 14
32. Discuss and take action hiring temporary Commissioners’ Court Administrator.
Commissioner Villela stated they currently don’t have a Court Administrator, and he would like to use salary funds to pay for a Temporary Court Administrator before hiring a permanent administrator. Tabled.
33. Discuss and take action appointing Court Liaison to all Departments.
County Judge Johnson provided the court members with a list of Department Heads and their years of service. Commissioner Anderson asked Judge Johnson which department head evaluation have been done for this year. Judge Johnson stated he has done the ones that are eligible. They discussed Rosa Olgin, Elections Administrator. Commissioner Villela is requesting some direction from the other court members on how to assign a Court Liaison to all Department Heads. Commissioner Villela stated that he is technically the Liaison for Fleet. Commissioner Anderson requested Library and Pretrial. County Judge stated that he needs Justin with Emergency Management because he is a direct extension of what he does. He wants David Sapp because nobody knows the history of the cemetery. Commissioner Somers stated that he was Road and Bridge in the past. The court continued to discuss the assigning of Department Heads to each court member.
Motion for Department Liaison from Court members: Somers will have Public Works, Road and Bridge and Facilities. Judge Johnson will have Emergency Management, Cemetery and Horseshoe Director. Hall will have IT, Lead Medical Investigator and Warrant Services. Anderson will have Pretrial, Library and Purchasing. Villela will have PIO, HR Director and Dennis Yates in Fleet as the liaison.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 255
For: Hall, Villela, Anderson Against: Somers, Johnson Abstaining: None
Motion passes.
34. Discuss and take action on evaluation of Department Heads.
Commissioner Villela described how the evaluations will be handled.
Motion to approve the new Department Evaluation format and policy.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 256-261
For: Hall, Villela, Anderson Against: Somers, Johnson Abstaining: None
35. Adjourn.
Motion to adjourn.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Hall Exhibit:
A vote was not taken.
Adjourn at 11:06 a.m.
https://www.co.midland.tx.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03032026-494