Lauren Melear

Lauren Melear leads the West Texas Bureau of Texas Scorecard. When not working, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog, as well as cooking, working out, traveling to the hill country, and cheering on the fightin' Texas Aggies.
Sue Brannon: A Midland Legacy

Sue Brannon: A Midland Legacy

“God has blessed me and I want to give back to Midland and to Texas the blessings that I’ve received. I want to pass on the Goodness.”

Midland County and School Board Talk Taxes

Midland County and School Board Talk Taxes

In the petroleum-rich town of Midland, TX, the fluctuation of oil prices and population numbers weigh heavily on property tax-dependent entities, such as the school district and county. With last year’s dip in oil prices and the subsequent effect on mineral valuations...

Sunset on the Tall City’s TIRZ

Sunset on the Tall City’s TIRZ

Midland City Council voted last August to cast a one-year sunset provision on a long-winded, and relatively unproductive, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). Established in March 2001, the TIRZ was created by the City of Midland in an effort to use taxpayer...

Landgraf Holds Town Hall in Odessa

Landgraf Holds Town Hall in Odessa

Newly elected State Rep. Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) held a town hall on Saturday, April 18th. He spent the first half of the event giving an update on what he is currently working on in the legislature, as well as what he has accomplished. Among the things mentioned...

Midland County and School Board Talk Taxes

Two Tax Hikes on Midland’s Horizon?

In West Texas, tax increases seem to be the most popular narrative of local public officials as of late. Both the Midland ISD School Board President Rick Davis and Midland County Judge Mike Bradford are contemplating increasing property tax rates for their respective...

Governor Abbott Addresses Midland Republican Party

Governor Abbott Addresses Midland Republican Party

The Midland County Republican Party hosted their annual Bush Day Dinner on March 3rd at the Horseshoe Arena. Governor Greg Abbott, serving as the guest speaker, outlined his priorities this legislative session while also applauding Midland voters for the vital role...

Midland City Council Supports Statewide Texting Ban

Midland City Council Supports Statewide Texting Ban

The Midland City Council voted Tuesday to unanimously support a resolution requesting that the Texas Legislature and Governor take action to approve House Bill 80. HB 80, also known as the Alex Brown Memorial Act, would ban any “text-based communication” while...