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 a...
Click here for full text