Commissioners authorize four new public works positions to manage expanding capital workload

The Midland County Commissioners Court on Feb. 18 authorized creation of four positions in Public Works to help manage a growing capital program and ongoing operations.

Public Works Director Steven told the court the department is managing a sharp increase in capital work, including an $180 million jail project and several other contracts, and needs additional supervisory and project staff. The positions approved were: an operations and project manager (grade/step 29/10.5), a road and bridge foreman (grade/24/12.5), a regulations manager/internal land man (grade 22/7), and a capital projects part‑time assistant manager (grade 22/1). The court approved the positions with the understanding that two (operations/project manager and foreman) are urgent and would be filled during the midyear process; the other two will be created and funded after the county refines salary contingency and budget details.

Steven said the operations/project manager will combine capital-road responsibilities with road-and-bridge operations and that a foreman will reduce the current supervisor-to-crew ratio. He also said the regulations manager/internal land man will replace a departing regulations manager and help the county handle easements, right-of-way and land purchases in‑house rather than relying on third parties.

Several commissioners praised the department’s recent progress and supported the request; commissioners said they would revisit exact salary funding and that positions would be advertised but not hired until funding was clarified. County staff said the positions can be created on the books now without immediate hires, and salary contingency and other line‑item adjustments will be reviewed at a subsequent meeting.

Ending: The court authorized creation of the four Public Works positions, provided grades and steps, and directed staff to return with precise salary accounting and a hiring timeline before making final hires.