DRAINAGE FEE INCREASE TO COVER TENS OF MILLIONS IN NEEDS

(Jan. 14, 2026) 

MIDLAND, TEXAS -- Did you know that a drainage fee has existed for City of Midland residents since 2018?

That is the case. On Tuesday, the Midland City Council approved a first vote to raise that fee to help cover long-term drainage needs ($200 million over 20 years) and $13.6 million contractually required to support MISD infrastructure improvements on Wadley Avenue and Tradewinds Boulevard.

If the item is approved on a second reading, it will be the first increase of the drainage fee since it was implemented more than seven years ago. Still, Midland’s residential rates will still be below Lubbock and Amarillo (the two cities in West Texas with higher populations). Commercial fees will be comparable to Amarillo and below Lubbock.

Most residential customers will see a yearly increase of $34.60 (for the mid-tier rate).

The drainage fee is projected to raise $3.25 million in fiscal year 2026 and $4.643 million in fiscal year 2027.