Bexar County Approves Judicial Salary Increases and Court Structure Changes

The Bexar County Commissioners Court convened on August 26, 2025, to discuss significant changes to judicial salaries and the structure of the judiciary. The meeting focused on several key agenda items, primarily revolving around proposed salary increases for judges and the reclassification of magistrates.

The first item addressed was a resolution to increase the maximum county supplement for district court judges from $18,000 to $25,000 annually, effective October 1, 2025. This adjustment is part of a broader legislative change, specifically Senate Bill 293, which raises the base salary for district court judges from $140,000 to $175,000 starting September 1, 2025. This marks the first pay raise for district court judges since February 2013.

Tina Smith from the county manager's office provided a detailed overview of the financial implications of these changes. The proposed increase in the county supplement for district court judges would cost approximately $232,000 annually. Additionally, county court judges, whose salaries are tied to district court judges, would see a total cost increase of $707,000 due to the new legislation.

The discussion also included salary adjustments for probate court judges and associate judges, with costs projected at $74,000 and $231,000 respectively. The meeting highlighted a request to reclassify several magistrates to associate judges, which would incur an additional cost of $332,000.

Commissioner Calvert moved to approve the proposed salary increases and reclassifications, which was seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez. The court engaged in discussions regarding the necessity and implications of these changes, particularly the county's role in determining the supplement amount.

Commissioner Clay Flores raised questions about the county's discretion in these matters, emphasizing the importance of understanding the rationale behind the proposed supplement increase. The court ultimately aimed to foster better communication and collaboration between the judiciary and the county, addressing concerns about budgetary impacts and the need for a structured process for future budget discussions.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored a significant shift in judicial compensation in Bexar County, with a total projected cost of approximately $1.8 million for the upcoming fiscal year. The court's approval of these measures reflects a commitment to enhancing the judiciary's financial standing while ensuring a collaborative approach to budget management moving forward.