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Commissioners approve two in-house right-of-way inspection positions to cut third-party costs
Summary
Road staff told the court creating an in-house inspection division will reduce third-party inspection costs and increase oversight; the court approved two positions (inspection supervisor and inspector) with specified pay grades and steps and noted equipment and funding-transfer follow-up.
The Midland County Commissioners Court approved creating two in-house right-of-way inspection positions on Jan. 20, a measure county staff said would reduce third-party costs and improve project oversight.
Road staff (S3) explained the county currently relies on third-party inspection tied to project design engineers and that an in-house inspection division would allow the county to inspect driveways, right-of-way permits and capital projects more consistently. Staff said the positions were not separately budgeted but funds exist in capital-project accounts and that the intent is to transfer those funds into the appropriate personnel lines.
Commissioner (S12) moved to approve two positions: a right-of-way construction inspector (pay grade 20, step 1) and a right-of-way construction inspection supervisor (pay grade 21, step 1). The court discussed whether to set a higher starting step for a specific hire; staff said they could post the position at step 1 and make an exception for a candidate if needed. The court approved the motion; commissioners noted that equipment (vehicles, IT) would require additional agenda items to procure and that transfers to move funding would be scheduled.
The motion passed on a voice vote; the transcript does not show a roll-call tally. Road staff said the positions are intended to reduce overall inspection costs, broaden inspection capacity and allow more proactive on-site oversight.
