Justice of the Peace asks county to fund hearing‑assist devices and convert part‑time clerk to full time

Justice of the Peace Mark Russo told the Rockwall County Commissioners Court that his precinct’s workload has increased and asked the court this year to convert a part‑time clerk to full time to keep up with filings and magistrations. Russo said the court faces growing jury and magistration costs and has an unanticipated cost line for court‑appointed attorneys.

Russo proposed buying hearing‑assist devices — a QR‑code enabled system with headsets — to improve access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. “We are asking for approximately $5,000 depending on the bid for a device that goes straight into hearing aids that are secure for our courtroom,” Russo said. He suggested the purchase could be covered by the county’s language‑access fund.

County staff said the language‑access fund has roughly $50,000 in total and that about $17,000 was collected in 2025; auditors will verify statutes and allowable uses. A staff member summarized OCA best practices and Disability Rights guidance and said courts must provide interpreters and captioning but are not required to provide personal hearing devices unless such a device is determined to be a reasonable accommodation for an individual. Commissioners and the JP agreed the devices would be an improvement rather than evidence of current noncompliance.

Commissioners also asked for supporting data and cross‑jurisdiction coordination; Russo said two of the county’s courtrooms could benefit and he had discussed the idea with other JPs. The court directed staff to confirm statute and fund rules and to return with a recommendation and cost estimates.