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Juvenile probation asks for reclassification and cost-of-living coverage amid state funding cuts
Summary
Juvenile-probation staff said state funding is expected to drop about 3% this year and requested $10,857 to reclassify a probation tech to officer; they also asked the county to cover an estimated $21,000 cost if a countywide cost-of-living increase is granted to state-funded positions.
Homer, representing juvenile probation, told the commissioners court the department expects roughly a 3% loss in state funds this year—about $73,000–$74,000—and plans to eliminate two state-funded FTEs to offset the reduction. The department requested $10,857 to reclassify one remaining probation tech (grade 18) to a full probation officer (grade 23), arguing the incumbent performs certified probation-officer duties outside of court appearances.
Homer said the department has one probation tech remaining who will absorb some duties previously eliminated; the $10,857 request is to raise that position to a probation officer classification. He added a contingent request of about $21,000 would be required if the court approves a county cost-of-living increase that the department would have to fund for state-funded positions it administers.
Homer also described an operational conversion from a boot-camp milieu to a more therapy-focused residential program. He said the program resumed accepting youth last month, currently houses eight residents with nine waiting, and expects to add a female-specific residential group by October.
Judges and commissioners expressed support for the conversion and for continuing facility upgrades. Staff said they will continue to refine budget and staffing figures during the workshop process; no formal action was taken at the meeting.
