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Hays County tables creation of DWI and drug specialty‑court staffing pending more DA input
Summary
Judge Alicia Key and county staff asked the court to create specialty DWI and drug courts and a court caseworker position; the district attorney's office requested more discussion about the proposed role and the court tabled the item to Dec. 16.
Hays County Commissioners tabled a request to create a new court caseworker position and authorize equipment purchases for planned DWI and drug specialty courts after the district attorney’s office asked for more time to clarify the proposed role’s duties.
Judge Alicia Key told the court the state Office of Court Administration approved registration for specialty courts on Nov. 20 and that the county had prepared guidelines and procedures. “That approval we received on November 20,” Judge Key said, adding the program is ready to move forward pending staffing.
Greg Cox, first assistant in the District Attorney’s Office, said the office supports the court programs but raised concerns about whether the proposed caseworker position is the correct allocation of duties. “I think there needs to be a little more fleshing out of exactly what the needs of the program are to be able to serve both courts,” Cox said, and suggested additional meetings with Judge Jimmy Hall and program staff.
Landon Campbell, division chief overseeing specialty courts for the DA’s office, echoed that view and urged the court to refine the position description to ensure funds are used effectively. Court members agreed to table the item and bring it back on Dec. 16 for additional discussion among judges, the DA’s office and program staff.
What happened: The court did not approve the position during this session; the item was tabled for further meetings and will return to the Dec. 16 agenda.
