Midland County Judge Criticizes Midyear Constable Hires

Commissioners approved new deputy constable positions despite concerns over cost, documentation, and conflict of interest.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Midland County Judge Terry Johnson has issued a statement criticizing the county commissioners' approval of midyear budget requests for new deputy constable positions. Johnson cited concerns over the significant budgetary impact, lack of proper documentation, and a potential conflict of interest involving one commissioner. He argued that such staffing expansions should be considered through the regular annual budget process rather than midyear adjustments.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the county judge and commissioners over budgeting priorities and processes. It raises questions about transparency, fairness, and the appropriate balance of power in Midland County government.

The details

The commissioners approved the new deputy constable positions in a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Charles Hall, Steven Villela and Dianne Anderson voting in favor, and Commissioners Jeff Somers and Terry Johnson voting against. Johnson estimated the new positions could cost up to $500,000. He noted that the county has typically required major staffing expansions to be considered during the regular annual budget process, and expressed concern that the commissioners were not applying budget standards uniformly across departments. Johnson also raised issues with the lack of supporting documentation for the proposed hirings and a potential conflict of interest involving one commissioner whose daughter is a constable.

  • The commissioners approved the new deputy constable positions on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
  • Midland County's annual budget process typically begins in October each year.

The players

Terry Johnson

Midland County Judge who criticized the commissioners' approval of the new deputy constable positions.

Charles Hall

Midland County Commissioner who voted in favor of the new deputy constable positions.

Steven Villela

Midland County Commissioner who voted in favor of the new deputy constable positions.

Dianne Anderson

Midland County Commissioner who voted in favor of the new deputy constable positions.

Jeff Somers

Midland County Commissioner who voted against the new deputy constable positions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These proposals represent a significant midyear budget impact, potentially approaching $500,000, and come at a time when Midland County must remain disciplined in its financial planning and consistent in applying budget standards across all departments.”

— Terry Johnson, Midland County Judge (mrt.com)

“Any request involving substantial taxpayer funding must include proper justification, detailed projections and complete documentation. These agenda items lacked the level of transparency that Midland County residents deserve.”

— Terry Johnson, Midland County Judge (mrt.com)

“One Commissioner should recuse himself from deliberations and voting when these decisions directly affect his daughter, who serves as one of the constables whose office would benefit financially. This represents a clear conflict of interest that must be taken seriously to maintain public trust.”

— Terry Johnson, Midland County Judge (mrt.com)

What’s next

The Midland County Commissioners Court will likely revisit the issue of the new deputy constable positions during the regular annual budget process in October.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between the county judge and commissioners over budgeting priorities and processes in Midland County. It raises concerns about transparency, fairness, and the appropriate balance of power in the county's government.