Constable Trey Cheney asks court for part-time help as vehicle troubles pile up

Constable Trey Cheney told Rockwall County commissioners on June 18 that escalating court paperwork and frequent service calls make it difficult for him to both serve papers and be present in court. "We either need some part time help so we have time to put somebody in court and go serve papers or get somebody to do paperwork," Cheney said, outlining weeks when court obligations left him pouring hours into office tasks and vehicle repairs.

Cheney described repeated problems with a 2019 Tahoe assigned to his office, noting multiple repairs and frequent jump‑starts after recent work. He detailed a recent $1,944 repair and said the vehicle has had roughly 30,000 miles but persistent electrical faults: "So I'm tired of jumping off my car." Commissioners and staff discussed routing outfitting and repairs through Captain Brown and the fleet committee to avoid piecemealed wiring and equipment that can cause chronic electrical issues.

The court debated whether to fund a part‑time deputy (who could handle bailiffing, fieldwork and phones) or a clerk (office duties such as printing, mailing, and receipts). Several commissioners favored a shared clerk model to save money, while staff warned an employee shared by multiple elected officials raises personnel‑management complications; staff also said the county's risk‑pool insurance does provide coverage for cash handling. Cheney highlighted other equipment needs, including vests and body/camera systems, and commissioners asked staff to check how adding deputies or pool cars would affect the county's Motorola camera/cloud contract.

The court did not take a formal vote on the constable's request; members asked staff and the fleet committee to investigate options, costs and statutory bonding requirements and to return with more detailed budget figures. The judge noted the matters will be refined as the budget process continues.