CORYELL COUNTY — Coryell County court officials told the commissioners court at a budget workshop they are increasing contingency funding and several indigent-defense lines to cover anticipated costs tied to capital murder cases and higher case volumes.

The county court presenter said the contingencies line — which had been around $35,000 the prior year — was increased in the proposed budget to $150,000 because of at least one capital murder case and the possibility of another. Officials said capital murder prosecutions are lengthy and expensive, often lasting two to three years and increasing costs for expert witnesses, investigators and appointed counsel.

Why it matters: The court’s increased contingency is intended to ensure the county can provide constitutionally required defense services and hold timely trials, officials said. Workshop speakers said some capital-case expenditures were already being incurred in FY25 and that various court-related lines (interpreters, appeals, pretrial services) are already exceeding budgeted amounts.

Budget changes outlined at the workshop included raising court-appointed counsel lines by about $20,000 each and adding roughly $5,000 to the county-court-at-law budget. The presenter said contingency spending has already exceeded 100% of the prior year’s allocation on the July 3 expenditure report, driven by capital-case needs.

Officials also discussed potential revenue options to help offset judicial costs, including charging a small processing fee on certain bond transactions (examples discussed included $20–$40 fees used by other counties for bonds under specific thresholds). The court presenter noted the county currently had about 395 people on bond across 528 cases and said a modest processing charge could generate material revenue if implemented, but staff would need to research procedures and administration.

Court leaders said they would continue to pursue administrative and procedural efficiencies but emphasized that public defenders, appointed counsel and expert witnesses are essential to ensuring the right to a fair and speedy trial. No fee or ordinance was adopted at the workshop; staff were asked to research options and report back to the commissioners.