JP 2 and constable ask commissioners for a full-time clerk as case filings rise

Representatives for Justice of the Peace Court 2 and the constable told the Commissioner’s Court that rising caseloads across criminal, eviction and small-claims dockets require an additional full‑time clerk in JP 2’s office.

Court staff described the current staffing as two full‑time-equivalent positions and one part‑time position shared between the court and constable (effectively two-and-a-half workers). Because a long‑time civil clerk retired, JP 2 and the constable propose consolidating and converting staff so the office will have three full‑time cross‑trained clerks able to handle civil, criminal and constable duties.

Presenters said criminal filings are up 84% year‑over‑year, evictions have increased 50%, small‑claims filings 48% and debt claims 22%. The additional full‑time staffing, they said, supports more show‑cause hearings, better compliance and higher monthly collections.

The presenters asked the court to approve approximately $40,034.73 to cover the county share of the additional full‑time clerk after accounting for money already budgeted in the constable’s part‑time line. “We're only asking for $40,034.73,” a court representative said.

Commissioners sought clarification about how the new position would be funded in fiscal years and whether the constable’s part‑time budget would shift; staff said the change is largely a realignment and that Sandy (county staff) would supply detailed budget numbers. The court did not vote on the request at the meeting and directed staff to provide a written cost breakdown and the planned staffing transition.

No formal action was taken; the presenters said a part‑time clerk would move to full time in July to cover the immediate vacancy and that the full staffing configuration would be revisited in the budget cycle.