| TO: | Honorable Will Hartnett, Chair, House Committee on Judicial Affairs |
| FROM: | John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB871 by Casteel (Relating to the creation of an additional county court at law in Comal County.), As Introduced |
The bill would amend the Government Code to create an additional county court at law, the County Court at Law No. 2, in Comal County. The bill would take effect on September 1, 2003.
Since Comal County has passed a resolution to collect court costs and fees under Government Code, Section 51.702, the state would incur an annual cost of $5,000 in the form of a salary supplement for the judge of the new county court at law. However, this annual cost is not a significant fiscal implication.
The Comal County Auditor provided an estimate of local costs, which would include salaries and benefits for a county judge, court coordinator, clerk, and bailiff. The estimate also includes materials for operations, as well as a one-time capital outlay for courthouse renovations in the first year.
The total cost to Comal County for fiscal year 2004 is estimated at $337,727. In fiscal year 2005, the cost is estimated at $286,920. In fiscal year 2006, the cost is estimated at $295,522. In fiscal year 2007, the cost is estimated at $304,555. In fiscal year 2008, the cost is estimated at $314,039.
| Source Agencies: | 212 Office Of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 304 Comptroller Of Public Accounts
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| LBB Staff: | JK, GO, VDS, TB, KG
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