District Attorney Kendra Culpepper Advocates for Additional Clerk Position in New Court

In a recent special meeting of the Rockwall County Commissioners Court, discussions centered around staffing needs for the newly established district court, highlighting the critical roles of clerks and prosecutors in the judicial system. The meeting, held on August 14, 2025, brought to light the pressing issue of personnel shortages that could impact the efficiency of the court system.

District Attorney Kendra Culpepper addressed the court, emphasizing the necessity of a clerk for her office to support the new court. She pointed out that while five positions had been approved for her office, a crucial clerk role had not been included in the budget. "The judges require that the district attorney's office has a clerk in the courtroom," Culpepper stated, explaining that these clerks are essential for managing plea agreements and other courtroom duties. Without this position, the functionality of the new court could be compromised.

The conversation also touched on the staffing levels of the district clerk's office, which is facing its own challenges. The district clerk had requested five clerks but received approval for only two, raising concerns about the ability to manage both civil and criminal cases effectively. The court's judges have expressed dissatisfaction with current turnaround times, and the addition of a new court without adequate staffing could exacerbate these issues.

Commissioners debated the implications of the new court on existing workloads, with some arguing that the redistribution of cases among three courts should not slow down the process. However, others cautioned that without proper staffing, the quality of service to the public could decline. The discussion underscored the delicate balance between budget constraints and the need for adequate resources to ensure the judicial system operates smoothly.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the decisions made regarding staffing would have lasting effects on the efficiency of Rockwall County's judicial system. The court's ability to address these staffing needs will be crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring justice is served effectively.