Midland County names new courthouse annex for Judge David M. Cobos

The Midland County Commissioners Court voted Nov. 18 to name the newly constructed courthouse annex the Judge David M. Cobos Midland County Courthouse Annex, honoring a judge the court described as having a 46-year record of public service.

Judge John Barton, who introduced the proposal, told the court that Cobos "spearheaded a lot of legislative bills" and "modernized our courts," saying his work "reshaped our justice system" and merited a permanent recognition on the building. Barton said the naming was intended to celebrate a legacy of "integrity, fairness, and innovation." (Judge John Barton, speaker 4.)

The measure prompted brief debate about public involvement. One member urged a waiting period to allow citizen comment: "I think we need a waiting period to see if what the public says," the committee member said (Committee member, speaker 9). Others — including constables and judges who worked with Cobos — spoke in support, recounting mentorship and program work tied to juvenile diversion and statewide justice-court reforms (Constable Douglas Brown, speaker 10; other presenters).

After the discussion, a commissioner moved to adopt the name as presented; the motion was seconded and the court approved it. The presiding officer asked that certificates and signage be prepared and that staff coordinate installation of the name on the building’s exterior.

The naming applies only to the courthouse annex building that houses justice of the peace courts, constables and warrant services; court members said signage will be added to the existing building name "Midland County Courthouse Annex." The court did not record a roll-call vote with individual tallies in the transcript; the motion carried with the court's voice vote.