Court approves concept of a county death investigator position but defers final decision pending details

County staff presented a request, prompted by Justice Hensley, to create a full‑time death investigator position and an office of investigations to handle growing inquest workload across justice precincts. Presenters said inquests and associated civil and criminal case work have increased considerably and that current justice‑of‑peace offices are strained.

Staff described two staffing models discussed internally: (1) a full‑time "engaged to wait" position with a recommended HR salary of about $65,409 per year, and (2) a part‑time or on‑call arrangement (at roughly $35 per hour in earlier HR estimates) that might pay for standby time differently. The court discussed regional comparators (Brazos, Lubbock, Williamson Counties) and training/certification paths such as programs through Baylor or St. Louis medical school that would take roughly 40 hours and cost around $800.

Several commissioners and the judge raised operational questions: whether to start with one position and scale, how to prioritize precincts with higher inquest volume (Precincts 1 and 4 were identified as busier), whether the DA's office or existing county employees could fill some functions, and how to structure on‑call compensation to make the position viable. Staff recommended monitoring initial volumes and returning with salary/mileage and benefits proposals for the budget process.

After debate the court agreed the concept is valid and that additional analysis is required. The court voted to defer final approval and requested staff follow up with options including cost, pay model, certification requirements and the potential to use existing county staff or DA‑office investigators as alternatives.