May 7, 2024 County Court Recap
The Midland County Commissioners Court convened for a general meeting on Tuesday, May 7, at 9 a.m., gathering at the Midland County Courthouse to address a range of topics.
Fore Brown, the golf superintendent of the Midland Country Club, presented estimates regarding the potential management of a new golf course by the county. Brown projected building costs ranging from $10 to $12 million, along with annual maintenance expenses totaling around $800,000, including labor costs for six to eight employees.
Brown recommended initiating a feasibility study and water resource assessment before proceeding with bids for a master site plan. Subsequently, the court approved a request for proposal with THK associates for a golf course feasibility study, selecting the firm from five applicants. The study, expected to cost over $27,000, will be funded from the county’s contingency fund.
Judge Terry Johnson and Sheriff David Criner addressed concerns regarding the recent failure of a state inspection at the county jail. Criner attributed the issue to staff reliance on paper logs for inmate checks, sometimes leading to delays in filing. In response, the court greenlit a contract with Guardian RFID to implement a system aimed at enhancing checks and balances within the jail staff to achieve compliance. The annual cost of the system was reported to be approximately $90,000.
Discussion also centered on the accumulation of trash along State Highway 158. In response to the concern, county staff devised a plan to conduct weekly clean-ups along the highway, utilizing individuals from the county’s drug court program. This initiative addresses the trash issue and provides volunteer hours for program participants. Over the past month, the crew reportedly cleaned up one and a half to two miles of highway during each cleaning day.
Horseshoe Arena Director Ken Olson discussed efforts to streamline services at the arena, proposing packaged deals for meeting rooms that include food and associated fees. Commissioner Scott Ramsey and Commissioner Luis Sanchez expressed support for simplifying the venue’s offering, making it more convenient for local companies and organizations to utilize.
The meeting concluded shortly after noon. The next regular meeting of the county commissioners court is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, at 9 a.m.