Judge calls for pay raise amid heavy inquest workload

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the workload and compensation of Justices of the Peace (JPs) in Williamson County, highlighting significant disparities in responsibilities and pay among the precincts. Judge Peterson and another JP reported handling an average of 400 inquests annually, with a notable increase during the pandemic years. They emphasized that a substantial portion of these inquests occur after hours, often late at night, which adds to the taxing nature of their roles.

The JPs expressed concerns about the lack of interest from their colleagues in rotating on-call duties, which they believe would distribute the workload more evenly. They argued that their higher volume of after-hours work warrants a reevaluation of their compensation, suggesting that their pay should reflect the additional demands placed on them compared to their counterparts.

Judge Peterson acknowledged that while Precinct One currently has a higher salary relative to other JPs, there is a recognition that all JPs perform similar duties. The court is considering adjustments to ensure fair compensation across the board, while still maintaining that Peterson and the other JP will remain among the highest paid due to their increased workload.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by JPs in managing their responsibilities, particularly in light of the unpredictable nature of their work, and the need for a compensation structure that accurately reflects their contributions.