Title
Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3983 appointing a Presiding Municipal Court Judge for the City of Farmers Branch Municipal Court of Record No. 1, establishing the position as full-time and setting compensation; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Finance and Fleet Department
BACKGROUND:
In response to the increasing demands and workload of the Municipal Court, the City Council approved the restructuring. This action is intended to ensure consistent on-site judge availability, strengthen operational oversight, and support the long-term efficiency and stability of court operations.
The conversion of the position reflects the evolving needs of a high-volume municipal court, including increased caseload, administrative responsibilities, and statutory obligations that extend beyond the scope of a part-time appointment. Establishing the position as a full-time role aligns the court’s judicial leadership with comparable operational and staffing expectations across the organization.
To implement the Council’s direction, Ordinance 3983 formally converted the Municipal Court Judge role to a full-time position and leaves the authority of appointment with the City Council. The ordinance further establishes compensation, benefit eligibility, work schedules, and reporting structures consistent with those for the City’s full-time positions.
This action also requires the City Council to appoint an individual to serve as the full-time Presiding Municipal Court Judge under the approved new structure.
DISCUSSION:
Ordinance No. 3983 implements the City Council’s approved direction and accomplishes the following:
• Formally converts the Municipal Court Judge position from a part-time appointed assignment to a full-time City employee position.
• Establishes full-time compensation through the City’s adopted salary structure, replacing the prior daily rate model.
• It recognizes the expanded scope and increasing demands of court operations by aligning judicial availability with a full-time work schedule.
• Confirms that the Presiding Judge will continue to perform all statutory duties required under state law, the City Charter, and City Ordinances, including oversight of court operations, magistrate responsibilities, and coordination with alternate judges as needed.
• Authorizes City Council to appoint the selected candidate to serve as the full-time position of Municipal Presiding Judge.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for the function is approved as part of the FY 2025-26 Budget.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3983 as presented.
2. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3983 with modifications.
3. I move to table the item for further consideration.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Ordinance No. 3983
2. Statutes Pertaining to Municipal Court Judge