Hardin County commissioners set timetable to fill Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6 vacancy
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Summary
Commissioners agreed Feb. 3 to post a notice, accept applications and take public input to appoint a successor to the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6 seat; judges Minton and Owsley will temporarily cover cases until an appointment is made or the governor acts.
Hardin County Commissioners on Feb. 3 approved a procedure to solicit applications and public input to fill the unexpired term for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6 after Judge Horner’s retirement.
The court said it will post a notice, accept letters of interest, resumes or applications and solicit public comment from residents in Precinct 6 before making an appointment. The county attorney provided an Attorney General opinion and guidance that the Texas Constitution requires the vacancy be filled; if the court does not appoint someone, the governor would make the appointment.
Presiding officer said the draft notice lists candidate eligibility requirements that applicants must meet: U.S. citizenship, Texas residency for at least 12 months, residence in Justice Precinct 6 for at least six months, registration to vote in Hardin County Justice Precinct 6 and being at least 18 years old. The court discussed several schedule options and agreed to post the notice immediately, take applications through Friday, Feb. 7, accept two weeks of public input through Feb. 21, and hold a special meeting to consider applications the week of Feb. 24 or act at the regular meeting on Feb. 25. The court noted an alternate date of March 4 if more time is needed for review.
County officials said Judges Minton and Owsley have agreed to cover Precinct 6 matters on an interim basis if needed until the vacancy is filled. Commissioners emphasized they want residents of Precinct 6 to have an opportunity to provide input before the court makes an appointment that will stand until the next general election on Nov. 3, 2026.
Commissioner Young moved to adopt the posting and public-input schedule; Commissioner Kuykendahl seconded. The motion passed without recorded opposition. The court directed staff to finalize the notice and post it on the county website the same day.
The discussion occurred during the special meeting called at 10 a.m. The court said the appointment will follow the same procedure used after the passing of a previous justice and that the court may hold an executive session to review applications and public input before selecting a nominee.
