The Midland City Council on Oct. 28 approved the appointment of Nicholas Crump to the position of City Attorney and authorized an advisory committee — Mayor, Councilman Jack Ladd and Councilman Brian Stubbs — to negotiate his employment agreement.

Council members praised Crump’s work in the interim role and his experience with the department. “We felt like that would allow us to see what was available, but also to validate Nicholas's leadership,” the mayor said during the discussion. Several council members recounted a formal search process and said the internal candidate’s performance as interim counsel validated the selection.

Crump told the council the appointment was “absolutely humbling” and called it “the highlight of my professional career.” He thanked his predecessors and the legal team for mentorship and credited his staff. The motion to appoint, made by Councilwoman Burks and seconded by Councilwoman Burkholder, carried unanimously.

Why it matters: The city attorney provides legal advice across departments; appointing an experienced internal leader avoids an extended transition and keeps continuity in ongoing legal matters. Council authorized a small committee to negotiate the employment agreement and empowered the mayor to execute the contract once terms are agreed.

Staff will complete the employment agreement process per council direction.