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Citizens urge council to delay TIRZ No. 2 funding and seek accountability over taken campaign signs; council postponed action on TIRZ
Summary
The city read an ordinance approving a project and financing plan for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2 under chapter 311 of the Texas Tax Code and then heard public objections; the council took no action and deferred the item for future consideration.
The city council read an ordinance to establish a project and financing plan for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 2 under chapter 311 of the Texas Tax Code and then heard public comment urging delay and further scrutiny. The council did not take action on the item at the meeting.
Jud Campbell, a resident, urged the council not to "move forward with funding this" and said TIRZ-style financing "confines our resources" and risks reducing funds available to citywide needs. "It just puts handcuffs on our future city council," Campbell said, arguing that diverting citywide revenue to a TIRZ could create long-term fiscal constraints.
Robin Campbell, another citizen speaker, asked the council not to prioritize new developments funded through targeted districts while she said the city's general infrastructure and services face unmet needs. She also criticized the Midland Development Corporation for holding meetings at the Chamber of Commerce rather than in more transparent public facilities and urged more accessible meeting recordings.
Both speakers also raised a separate concern: the removal of campaign signs. Jud Campbell said earlier investigations had shown the city inappropriately removed campaign signs and that the public had not yet received a full account. "This is a significant issue when the city is using its power to silence the speaking of our expression in an election," Campbell said.
Mayor Lori Blong read the ordinance language required for a TIRZ project and financing plan and noted the council would defer discussion and possible action at a future meeting. The mayor explicitly said no action would be taken on item 9 at this session and that the council would provide an opportunity for further public comment when the item returns.
Why it matters: A TIRZ/TIF-style financing plan can reallocate future incremental tax revenues to projects within the zone, which citizens warned could reduce general-purpose funds available citywide. Speakers also flagged perceived transparency and accountability issues tied to the Midland Development Corporation and alleged improper removal of campaign signs by city employees.
What happens next: The council deferred action; staff and council will address the TIRZ item at a later meeting. Citizens said they will continue to press the council for transparency and accountability on campaign-sign removal and on MDC meeting practices.
