County Officials Discuss Legal Fees and Increase in Judge Salaries Amid Budget Planning

Rockwall County officials are taking proactive steps to manage legal expenses as they prepare for the upcoming fiscal year. During a special meeting on August 14, 2025, commissioners discussed the need for a clearer understanding of current legal fees, particularly in relation to ongoing cases involving the Horton project.

Commissioners expressed concerns that the estimated budget of $300,000 for legal fees may be insufficient, suggesting an increase of at least $50,000 to better reflect actual costs. The county's legal counsel has been asked to provide a detailed estimate to ensure accurate budgeting.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the importance of tracking professional fees, which encompass various services including engineering, auditing, and legal representation. A request for a breakdown of payments to the Smith Ray firm, which serves as general counsel, was made to clarify the county's legal expenditures.

In other discussions, the county clerk's proposal for a notary fraud alert program was withdrawn, as it was deemed redundant with existing software solutions. The commissioners also addressed a significant salary increase for county court judges, which was mandated by state legislation after a decade without adjustments.

As Rockwall County moves forward, the emphasis on financial transparency and accountability in legal and professional fees will be crucial for effective governance and resource allocation. The commissioners are committed to refining their budgetary processes to ensure that community needs are met while maintaining fiscal responsibility.