Nueces County raises prosecutor salaries to combat attorney vacancies

In a recent budget workshop held on July 10, 2025, Nueces County commissioners addressed critical staffing and salary issues within the District Attorney's office and the judicial system. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of recruiting and retaining qualified legal professionals amid rising competition and financial constraints.

One of the key topics was the approval of a $15,000 salary increase for entry-level prosecutors, raising their starting salary from $65,000 to $80,000. This decision aims to alleviate a significant backlog of cases by allowing the office to pay prosecutors overtime and attract more applicants. District Attorney Stanek reported a decrease in vacancies and an influx of experienced applicants, a positive shift attributed to the salary adjustments. However, she expressed concerns about potential future losses of senior prosecutors due to personal reasons, emphasizing the need for continued financial support to maintain staffing levels.

The workshop also featured discussions on the broader implications of inadequate funding for the judicial system. Judges highlighted the importance of experienced prosecutors in effectively administering justice, noting that a lack of stability in staffing could lead to challenges in handling complex cases. The judges urged the commissioners to consider additional funding not only for salaries but also for court reporters and bailiffs, who play essential roles in the judicial process.

Court reporters, in particular, are facing recruitment difficulties, with one judge noting an ongoing vacancy for a rover position since January. The judges advocated for salary increases to retain these critical staff members, warning that losing court reporters could lead to court closures and increased costs for the county.

The conversation also touched on innovative solutions to improve efficiency, such as implementing electronic services for court documents and juror payments, which could streamline operations and reduce costs.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners were urged to prioritize these funding requests to ensure the effective administration of justice in Nueces County. The discussions underscored the pressing need for a comprehensive approach to address staffing shortages and financial challenges within the county's legal system, setting the stage for further deliberations in upcoming budget sessions.