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Webb County official backs bill to standardize bailiff appointments and salaries
Summary
House Bill 3104 would remove authority for two Webb County district courts to appoint and set salaries for bailiffs, aligning those courts with the county sheriff’s provision of bailiffs. Commissioner John Galo testified that the current statutory exceptions led to salary disparities and safety concerns.
The dean of the senate explained House Bill 3104 as a local bill requested by the Webb County commissioners court to remove authority from two district courts to appoint and set salaries for bailiffs, leaving bailiff provision and uniform salary administration to the county sheriff. The dean said the change would clarify appointment authority and align pay with county budgeting.
Commissioner John Galo testified in support, describing the current situation in Webb County as inconsistent: ‘‘Currently, we have a salary range from 38,000 to 112,000 for these,’’ he told the committee, adding that two courts had different authority and pay ranges that produced inequities and, in his view, turned some positions into de-facto personal drivers. Galo also said consolidating bailiff authority with the sheriff would improve safety and coordination for events such as active-shooter responses.
Committee members asked whether there was opposition; witnesses said they were not aware of opposition and acknowledged that similar exceptions exist in other counties. Public testimony closed and the bill was left pending.
