The Midland City Council convened on August 12, 2025, to address several key agenda items, beginning with the consent agenda. Council members identified items for discussion, including numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 18, and 19, which were subsequently removed from the consent agenda for further deliberation. The council unanimously approved the remaining items.

The first significant item discussed was a resolution approving the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget for the Midland Development Corporation (MDC). This budget had been deferred from a previous meeting for additional consideration. Council members expressed varying opinions on the budget, particularly regarding consulting fees, which had reportedly decreased by $350,000 compared to the previous year. Councilman Burks highlighted the importance of maintaining fiscal conservatism, especially in light of fluctuations in the oil and gas industry.

However, some council members voiced concerns about specific expenditures, particularly related to a downtown hotel project. Councilman Ladd stated he would not support the budget due to apprehensions about the hotel’s funding and the MDC's operational transparency. He emphasized the need for accountability in how taxpayer dollars are spent.

Public comments were also made regarding the MDC budget. Resident Robin Campbell raised issues about the classification of certain expenses in the budget, questioning the accuracy of a $90,000 line item categorized as administrative expenses. She expressed frustration over the MDC's lack of communication and transparency, particularly after a canceled meeting that would have allowed for public inquiries.

Another resident, Judd Campbell, echoed these concerns, stating that the MDC was overcommitted financially and criticized the legality of the hotel project. He urged the council to reject the budget, citing a lack of transparency and accountability in the MDC's operations.

In response to public comments, city staff clarified that the MDC's commitments were structured to be payable over the next decade, with anticipated revenues expected to offset these commitments. They also addressed the accounting concerns raised about the budget, explaining that it aligns with audited financials.

After deliberation, the council voted on the MDC budget, which passed with a vote of 6 to 1, despite the expressed concerns. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing transparency and accountability issues within the MDC.