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Several Justice of the Peace offices press commissioners for building repairs, modular space and clerk pay increases
Summary
Multiple Justice of the Peace judges told the court their offices face roof leaks, water intrusion and poor ventilation; one requested a modular building and others asked for step increases and clerk reclassifications to address staffing and cross-training needs.
Multiple Justice of the Peace judges presented their 2026 budgets and used the public forum to describe poor building conditions in precinct offices, staffing needs and requests to reclassify clerks.
Judge Leslie Diosas (Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Sinton) said her office is "very comfortable" with its budget but requested a step increase for a clerk. She noted travel is kept local and said she attends one mandatory 20-hour class and occasional legislative updates.
Judge (first name not given) who identified longstanding building problems said the office has hollow partition walls, water intrusion that leaves offices unusable for days, vermin smells and insufficient HVAC. That judge asked the county to consider a modular building and said John Doria (county facilities) would present a plan.
Judge Price (Precinct 6, Aransas Pass/Ingleside) said postage and printing costs are rising and requested increased postage and printing budgets; she also requested clerk reclassifications and a 5% pay increase for staff if the court grants elected officials a COLA.
Judge Pullen (Precinct 8) said her rented office suffers water intrusion and potential mold; she requested moving a part-time position to full time and included revenue documentation to show increased collections in her precinct.
Why it matters: The judges said building conditions affect staff safety and operations, and several asked the court to prioritize capital or modular-space solutions and to consider clerk pay reclassifications that reflect tenure and duties.
County follow-up: Facilities and building maintenance were discussed; commissioners and staff acknowledged the need to review work orders and the county's process for handling building repairs. No formal budget votes were taken during these presentations.
