Midland County commissioner defends deputy constable expansion amid concerns

Commissioner Steven Villela pushes back against judge's criticism over transparency and budget impact

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Midland County Commissioner Steven Villela released an opinion piece defending the Commissioners Court's recent vote to increase deputy constable staffing in Precincts 3 and 4. This comes after Midland County Judge Terry Johnson raised concerns over transparency, documentation, and the financial impact of the mid-year budget decision, which could approach $500,000. Villela cited public safety needs expressed by residents, including issues with human trafficking, oilfield theft, and drug trafficking, as justification for the expansion.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights tensions between county leadership over how to address public safety needs and allocate resources, with the commissioner arguing the expansion is necessary to meet community demands and the judge raising concerns about the process and potential financial impact.

The details

The Commissioners Court voted to increase deputy constable staffing in Precincts 3 and 4, which Villela said was a response to public safety concerns from residents. Judge Johnson criticized the proposals, saying they lacked sufficient supporting documentation and could have a significant financial impact. Villela defended the decision, citing available contingency funds, and said his intent is not to compete with or undermine the Midland County Sheriff's Office, but to help address a gap in patrol presence.

  • The Commissioners Court voted to increase deputy constable staffing in recent weeks.
  • Villela released his opinion piece defending the decision on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

The players

Steven Villela

Midland County Commissioner who released an opinion piece defending the Commissioners Court's decision to increase deputy constable staffing.

Terry Johnson

Midland County Judge who criticized the proposals, raising concerns over transparency, documentation, and the financial impact.

Midland County Commissioners Court

The governing body that voted to increase deputy constable staffing in Precincts 3 and 4.

Midland County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that Judge Johnson said could be affected if trained officers are recruited away.

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What they’re saying

“These proposals represent a significant mid-year 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 (yourbasin.com)

“Providing a deputy constable to a duly elected Constable is a practical, lawful, and efficient way to increase patrol presence, improve response capability, and support public safety efforts.”

— Steven Villela, Midland County Commissioner (yourbasin.com)

What’s next

The Midland County Commissioners Court will likely continue to debate the deputy constable expansion, with Judge Johnson urging them to delay the decision until the next annual budget process.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges county leaders face in balancing public safety needs, budgetary constraints, and transparency concerns when making mid-year decisions that could have significant financial impacts on the community.