SAN MARCOS – The Hays County Commissioners Court heard from five departments on requests for the upcoming fiscal year during a budget workshop at its Aug. 6 meeting.
Mental Health Court
Judge Elaine Brown of County Court at Law #3 Mental Health Court began the workshop by noting that when the court initially did the request, there were items that they weren’t aware of. One of these is the realization that there is a need for a case manager position for the Mental Health Court.
This comes after the rapid growth of the court, along with the intake of felony cases. These cases often require higher needs from the individuals; thus, the need for additional services. A case manager would not only search for these services, but ensure that the participants are receiving the help, as well as logging data, according to Brown.
She also mentioned that the District Attorney’s Office and 453rd Judicial District Judge Sherri Tibbe have expressed support for the position, which is expected to have a salary of approximately $77,000.
“I believe this new position will enable us to get even more people out of the jail into these services, so that they can hopefully be successful and be productive. So far, we have a 0% recidivism rate and everyone has graduated from our program. If we continue on that track, that I think is a real benefit to the county in terms of cost savings and in terms of the individuals and families affected by this in a positive way,” said Brown.
She also requested a pay raise for Kaimi Mattila, Mental Health Court administrator, as her work has increased throughout the program.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra expressed his immense support for the program, stating that the team is doing a “phenomenal job.”
District Clerk’s Office
Assistant Hays County District Clerk Maximiliano Hernandez requested five new positions within the office.
Currently, there are two clerks dedicated to the verification of the court records, so they are requesting an additional two to help with caseload. In the civil sector, they are requesting a senior clerk to have the appropriate six clerks for six judges.
He also stated that following a law change that requires protective orders to be filed in specific cases, the office is requesting a clerk to specialize in those orders.
Finally, an additional front-end clerk has been proposed to aid the public with copying requests, new case filings, etc.
“For 2024, we’re on track for the largest caseload we have had historically. We already have more than half of last year’s new case filings as of June 30 [and] they are continuing to grow,” explained Hernandez.
“I’m just looking at the overall numbers in the request that came in. If you look at the actual direct constituent service staff, it’s like a 30% increase in personnel or there about. It is a big increase,” said commissioner Walt Smith. “Knowing what the overall actual case numbers [are] in it … would be helpful.”
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 2 court
According to Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 2 JR Mendoza, the Justice of the Peace Court was created last fall and began accepting cases in February of this year. As the number of cases have increased month by month, the need has increased. Because of this, he is requesting a clerk for his office, along with the required computer equipment. In addition, he is asking for a laptop and a docking screen for his residence in order to prevent damage while taking it back and forth to the office.
“It’s been difficult for my core administrator to effectively perform his duties, administrative duties, when also having to perform the clerk duties,” said Mendoza.
Since February, the court has had 268 criminal and noncriminal Class C citations, as well as 103 cases, including civil, truancy and parent contributing cases.
County Court at Law #1
Jimmy Allen Hall put in a request for a full time paralegal across all three courts to aid with research on laws and case law and the ability to dissect cases together, both leading to efficient solutions.
By having an additional employee, he believes that this will alleviate some of his time, allowing it to be dedicated to other pressing matters, such as a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) court.
“One of the things I wanted to start in Hays County is a [Driving While Intoxicated] court. I have not time to do that … There are great reasons to having a DWI court in terms of reducing recidivism, rehabilitating people and having positive outcomes. It’s just a great idea. Given our population, we should have one,” said Hall.
District Attorney's Office
Hays County Crimincal District Attorney Kelly Higgins began his discussion by noting that he did not ask for any new positions, but that is not because they are not needed; it is due to the lack of space available at the government center.
These roles that are needed include two new legal assistants, an epaulet lawyer, staff for an environmental division and more. Commissioner Walt Smith requested that the DA rank the positions that are most needed in the office, so if there is room in the budget, they are aware of his priorities.
“I am sure you are all aware of the twofold issue, which is that the government center is not designated as a courthouse. People can bring firearms and open carry long rifles into the first floor of that building. Since we do a very sensitive public business that tends to excite people, that is a huge concern,” said Higgins. “If we would be able to get space within the government center and find new housing for some of the nonjudicial officers that are there, that would help us create a more secure building, while also allowing us to continue to develop.”
Despite the lack of space, Higgins stated that he believes he could attempt to fit a few legal assistants at a cubicle within the office, if the positions were granted.
Commissioner Michelle Cohen stated that she recognizes that the need is important, as many departments that have been able to expand and improve their initiatives are because they had the space available.
Becerra noted that the plan for the current government center is to turn it into a judicial-only facility and that staff is looking to address the aspect of open carry inside the building.
“I’m very hopeful and I’m hoping it won’t be that long,” concluded Higgins.
Noting that the budget has yet to be discussed, the commissioners elected to not approve any requests prior to the final meeting.
Hays County Commissioners Court begins budget workshops
SAN MARCOS – The Hays County Commissioners Court heard from five departments on requests for the upcoming fiscal year during a budget workshop at its Aug. 6 meeting.
- 08/14/2024 08:20 PM
