DEPARTMENT: Municipal Courts
DEPARTMENT HEAD: John W. Bull, Presiding Judge
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Appointment of Part-time Municipal Court Judge
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance appoints a part-time San Antonio Municipal Court Judge to a two-year term, expiring April 30, 2020. Duties include the performance of Magistrate duties, as assigned by the Presiding Judge.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Municipal Court Judges are appointed by City Council every two years (even-numbered) years, with an effective date of May 1. Municipal Court judges must: (1) be a U.S. citizen; (2) a Texas resident; (3) a licensed attorney in good standing; (4) have practiced law in Texas for a minimum of two years; and (5) a resident of the City of San Antonio for at least three years immediately preceding appointment.
On October 9, 2018, the Municipal Court Advisory Committee interviewed 13 applicants for the two vacant part-time Municipal Court Judge positions. Each applicant is aware that employment as a judge includes performance of magistrate duties.
The following applicant meets City Charter and Texas Government Code requirements for judicial service and is recommended for appointment for a two-year term, effective immediately upon appointment:
Part-time: Erik S. Reynolds. Compensation for part-time judges is $45.48 per hour worked.
ISSUE:
The current terms for the San Antonio Municipal Court judges expired April 30, 2018 and require reappointment. This appointment will fill the last vacant part time position.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council appoints San Antonio Municipal Court Judges. Appointments are for the remainder of unexpired terms, beginning May 1, even-numbered year and ending on April 30, two years later.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Judicial salaries and compensation are part of the Court’s Adopted Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Municipal Court Advisory Committee recommends the appointment of Erik S. Reynolds as a part-time Municipal Court Judge.