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Voters in Midland County will decide on a $645 million bond proposal aimed at funding critical water infrastructure.

MIDLAND, Texas — Access to clean, reliable water is not a guarantee in all parts of Midland County. Now, the Midland County Utility District (MCUD) is asking voters to approve a multi-million-dollar bond to fund critical water infrastructure. The bond proposal, totaling $645 million, aims to build a comprehensive water system in the district's 54,800-acre service area, which has seen significant growth in recent years. The funds would be used to construct a reverse osmosis treatment plant, install over 100 miles of water transmission and distribution lines, and build new water storage tanks.

Norman Ashton, a spokesperson for MCUD, explained that the goal of the bond is simple.

"Provide a safe and clean, reliable water source," Ashton said. "So, the bond is designed to actually build out the infrastructure that is needed in order to accomplish that goal."

The bond proposal has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from small business owners who are concerned about the financial impact. The bond would be repaid through property taxes over the next 40 years.

“There will not be an immediate impact on taxes,” Ashton explained. “The first-time property owners will see any increase on their taxes will be in 2028. Based on the median home price in our district, which is around $310,000, they will see an increase of about $170 per year.”

Some small business owners, however, want more transparency and clarity regarding the bond and how it will affect them. Jo Simmons, owner of Phoenix Auto & Lube in Midland, said she’s hesitant to support the bond until she has a better understanding of the full scope of the repayment process.

"I don’t feel like we should agree to a bond when we don’t understand necessarily the rate of payback and how it all works, and who it will affect the most,” said Simmons.

Despite her concerns, Simmons recognizes the importance of the infrastructure project and believes it could benefit the community in the long run.

"I don’t think it should affect us as negatively. I think that as a business owner that wants to help the community, if this is for the betterment of everyone, then paying my part would be useful, and I wouldn’t mind doing it," Simmons said.

“Water is the key,” Ashton said. “If you want growth, you have to have water, and that’s to me the entire key. What we’re trying to do is provide that safe, clean, reliable water source so that our district can continue to grow and prosper.”

A decision that could determine the future of Midland County’s water system now rests in the hands of voters. Election Day is May 3, 2025, with early voting running from April 22 to April 29. For more details, including where to cast your ballot, visit MCUD.org.

Ahh yes Municipal bonds the tried and true way of financing such massive civil projects. I hope one day bitcoin and obsolete this model. While water infrastructure is vital to life having people pay on the bill through a 40 year tax on property is really lame. Plus bond holders will be eaten alive by inflation and bond prices will fluctuate with the Fed playing with interest rates. This type of financing is doom to fail.

It’s nice to see them not rely on the federal government to help finance this but using bonds to finance public work projects that need constant operation and maintenance support is a terrible long term solution.