Hays County Justice of the Peace Advocates for Staff Salary Increases

In a recent meeting held on August 19, 2025, the Hays County Commissioners Court addressed critical staffing and compensation issues within the Justice of the Peace (JP) courts and discussed the establishment of a new fleet coordinator position within the purchasing department. These discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by court staff and the need for improved management of county vehicles.

The meeting began with a presentation from Judge Armando, representing the Hays County Justices of the Peace, who emphasized the need for salary increases for court staff. He pointed out that despite the significant responsibilities and case loads handled by JP courts—reportedly twice that of the county court at law and district courts combined—staff compensation remains disproportionately low. Judge Armando argued that the current pay structure does not reflect the extensive duties performed by justice clerks and court administrators, who manage a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, and administrative matters.

Judge Armando proposed a tiered salary system for justice clerks, advocating for a minimum pay grade increase to 117, and for court administrators to a minimum of 123. He stressed that these changes are necessary to recognize the hard work and dedication of the staff, who are often cross-trained to handle various types of cases. The proposal aims to ensure that the county acknowledges the value of its court personnel and retains qualified staff.

Commissioners responded positively to the presentation, with some expressing support for the proposed salary adjustments. However, there were discussions about the need for a clearer process regarding how salary increases are evaluated and funded. Commissioner Hammer noted the importance of understanding the financial implications before approving any changes.

In a separate agenda item, the purchasing department requested the creation of a fleet coordinator position to manage county-owned and leased vehicles more effectively. The current purchasing agent, Stephanie Hunt, explained that the role would streamline vehicle management, maintenance, and ensure timely delivery of vehicles to various departments. The proposed position is intended to alleviate the workload on existing staff and improve communication regarding vehicle maintenance and leasing agreements.

While there was general agreement on the necessity of the fleet coordinator role, some commissioners raised concerns about potential overlaps in responsibilities with existing positions. A broader discussion on fleet management practices across departments was suggested to ensure efficiency and clarity in roles.

Overall, the meeting underscored the pressing need for Hays County to address staffing and compensation issues within its judicial system while also enhancing the management of county resources. The proposed changes, if approved, could significantly impact the morale and effectiveness of court staff and improve operational efficiency within the county's vehicle management system. The commissioners are expected to continue deliberating these proposals in upcoming sessions, with a focus on balancing budgetary constraints and the need for fair compensation and effective management.