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Lavaca County authorizes $35/hour for part-time contracted court security; auditor to coordinate with Gonzales County
Summary
The Commissioners Court approved paying part-time courthouse security $35 an hour and authorized the county auditor to work with Gonzales County on payroll and employment details. Commissioners discussed whether the personnel would be employees or contractors and the tax forms (W-2/W-9) that may apply.
Lavaca County commissioners on Jan. 27 approved paying part-time court security personnel $35 per hour and authorized the Lavaca County auditor to coordinate payment and employment details with Gonzales County officials.
The motion, made by Precinct 1 and seconded by Precinct 2, passed by voice vote. Commissioners said the pay will be charged to the courthouse security fund (account 100-5498-1050). The auditor was authorized to work out whether workers are employees (W-2) or contractors (W-9) and to coordinate reimbursement or dual-employment arrangements with Gonzales County.
Sergeant Raul Diaz of the Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office told the court he is assigned courthouse security responsibilities and described how some officers perform side gigs and may receive payment as contractors (W-9) or as employees, depending on hours and structure. Diaz said payments under $600 typically use a W-9 arrangement for occasional side gigs, while repeated work exceeding $600 in a year triggers additional reporting requirements.
Commissioners noted the individuals serving as bailiffs are TCO-licensed officers who have already performed duties for the court starting Jan. 6, and the county has a mutual-aid agreement in place with neighboring counties that permits cross-county service. Commissioners directed the auditor to finalize administrative details and requested the auditor keep commissioners apprised by email of progress.
