Van Zandt DA urges higher pay for court reporters, cites jury costs and cramped courthouse space

The Van Zandt County district attorney told the commissioners court during the June 30 budget workshop that shortages of court reporters, rising juror-related costs and constrained courthouse space are straining the county’s court system and budget.

The DA (name not specified in the transcript) said the office is asking the court to consider increased pay for court reporters (a suggested competitive salary figure of $99,000 was discussed) and requested funding for a dedicated civil attorney position (the DA said a $100,000 budget item would be appropriate). The DA said those moves are intended to retain reporters and to expand legal capacity as the county’s caseload returns toward historical levels.

The DA described several drivers of cost pressure: juror pay increases (the transcript said jury first-day pay rose…