Precinct 5 proposes countywide code enforcement under constable; commissioners debate staffing and pay priorities

Deputy Martinez of the Nueces County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office told the court that assigning code enforcement to the Precinct 5 constable would reduce response time and improve prosecution rates for illegal dumping and nuisance complaints in the county’s western, unincorporated areas. “By adding the code enforcement division attached to the precinct 5 constable’s office, we will help with the growing issues,” Martinez said, arguing that deputies assigned to enforcement would be closer to recurring dumping hot spots and reduce travel and fuel costs.

Presenters and several constables argued that placing environmental enforcement inside a law‑enforcement office provides clearer accountability and allows sworn officers to issue citations and make arrests when needed. Constable Chris Dorr, who urged moving the unit from Public Works to a constable, said housing enforcement under Public Works makes deputies “classified as civilians” and can create legal and oversight uncertainty:…