Midland · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of Midland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Agricultural zoning petitions in floodway and west-end areas
Two rare agricultural rezoning requests came before council: one to let a retiring owner develop wildlife habitat on 26 acres near Prairie Creek Drive, and one letting a riverfront owner keep 4-H livestock despite floodway restrictions. Both passed 5-0 as consistent with the master plan.
The Dean Apartments facility tour
The Planning Commission took a firsthand look at The Dean Apartments, touring four rental units and the community room. Site visits like this usually inform future housing or land-use decisions coming before the commission.
Police Department fee increases
Several police service fees would climb under the proposed ordinance — notary service jumps from $2 to $10, breath tests from $5 to $10, and fingerprinting from $10 to $15. Final vote September 28.
Fall ordinance update schedule
Parking ordinance changes are coming in September and sign ordinance changes in October or November — worth watching if you own property or a business downtown.
New auto repair garage on S. Saginaw Road
Zaremba Group got approval for a 6,607-square-foot auto repair garage, bringing a new commercial service business to the S. Saginaw corridor.
Midland Daily News brownfield plan cancelled
The 2020 brownfield redevelopment plan for the old Daily News building was scrapped at the developer's request, ending the associated redevelopment incentives.
Landfill wheel loader replacement
Landfill wheel loader #6-33 suffered a punctured oil pan and $64,924.41 in engine damage that isn't worth repairing, so a $345,000 budget amendment hearing was set for July 27 to buy a replacement.
City Manager and City Attorney compensation
Both top appointed officials got 3% cost-of-living raises after their performance reviews, per their contracts. Not a new salary negotiation — just the annual contractual bump.
2026 School Tax Collection
The city will collect 2026 property taxes for six school entities, keeping collection fees and admin costs as revenue.