DEPARTMENT: City Attorney’s Office
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Andy Segovia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Appointment of full-time Municipal Court Judge
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance appoints a full-time San Antonio Municipal Court Judge to the remainder of 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.
The Municipal Court Advisory Committee met on December 14 to interview eight (8) applicants for a vacant full-time Municipal Court Judge position. The committee met on January 8, 2020 and conducted second interviews for five of the applicants. The Committee voted to recommend for full Council consideration Melanie Castillo who meets the City Charter and Texas Government Code requirements for judicial service. The applicant is aware that employment as a judge includes performance of magistrate duties.
ISSUE:
The current terms for San Antonio Municipal Court judges expire April 30, 2020.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council appoints San Antonio Municipal Court Judges. Appointments are for the remainder of unexpired term, 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 Melanie Castillo as a full-time Municipal Court Judge.