Jan 11, 2022 Commissioners Court Budget Hearing

ADJOURNED. MOVING ON TO THE BUDGET

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IT IS SIMPLY THE POSTING. WE WILL START FOR SHORT FISCAL YEAR 2022 AND FISCAL YEAR 2023.

AS A REMINDER NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON THE BUDGET.

WE WILL HAND IT OVER TO MR. BERRY FOR A PRESENTATION.

>> YES. TIFFANY, COULD YOU PLEASE PULL

UP THE PRESENTATION? >> THANK YOU.

GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS --

>> LINA HIDALGO: BECAUSE THE MEMBERS ARE NOT HERE, I ALMOST WONDER IF WE SHOULD DO YOUR PRESENTATION WHETHER -- WHEN THEY RETURN SO FOLKS CAN ASK YOU QUESTIONS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

I AM HERE. >> JUDGE, I WANT TO REMIND EVERYONE AND THE FOLKS HERE THAT ARE WATCHING AS WELL THAT THIS MEETING IS NOT ACTUALLY POSTED AS AN OFFICIAL COURT MEETING. A QUORUM OF THE COURT IS NOT NECESSARY WHICH IS WHY IN MANY CASES STAFF ARE HERE IN LIEU OF MEMBERS. AND SO FOLKS -- THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT CAN APPEAR VIRTUALLY IF THEY CHOOSE TO DO SO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I WAS TOLD WE NEEDED TO HAVE SEVERAL PEOPLE HERE IN PERSON. IF WE CAN ALL DO IT VIRTUALLY, I'M HAPPY TO DO IT VIRTUALLY. GIVEN THE COVID --

>> EXACTLY. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHY DON'T WE DO THAT? LET'S RECONVENE -- IT IS 10:49. LET'S RECONVENE AT 11:00

VIRTUALLY. >> ABSOLUTELY, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. IT IS -- IT IS 11:13 AND WE ARE RETURNING TO BUDGET HEARINGS.

DAVE, GO AHEAD. >> COULD YOU PLEASE PULL UP

THE PRESENTATION? >> THANK YOU.

GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

I WANTED TO TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO SET THE STAGE.

NOT ONLY FOR THE PRESENTATIONS WE WILL HEAR FROM THE DEPARTMENT, BUT FOR THE BUDGET PROCESS AS I AM TOLD OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS. IF WE CAN GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. LET'S START WITH WHAT WORK NEEDS TO BE DONE. THIS YEAR IS UNUSUAL BECAUSE WE ARE CHANGING THE COUNTY'S FISCAL YEAR WHICH IS AN IMPORTANT AND IN MY OPINION OVERDYE -- OVERDUE REFORM, BUT ADDS SOME TWISTS AND TURNS TO OUR BUDGET PROCESS.

COMMISSIONERS' COURT WILL NEED TO APPROVE A 7-MONTH BUDGET PR MARCH 1ST TO SEPTEMBER 30TH.

AND THEN WE ARE CALLING THAT SHORT FISCAL YEAR 2022 OR SFY2022 AND THAT BUDGET WILL COVER THE GENERAL FUND AND THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY AND IT WILL COVER FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AND IT WILL COVER OUR DEBT SERVICE FUNDS AND OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS. I THINK IT WILL BECOME CLIER IN THIS PRESENTATION AND OTHERS THERE IS LIMITED NEW REVENUE FOR THIS SFY 2022. THERE IS NO TAX RATE SET IN THE PERIOD AND THERE IS LIMITED COLLECTIONS.

AS WE LOOK AT THAT PERIOD, IT REALLY WILL BE ABOUT WHAT ARE ABSOLUTELY THE MOST VITAL INVESTMENTS AND NEED TO HAVE.

IN ADDITION, WE ARE ASKING COURT TO APPROVE A 12-MONTH PLANNING BUDGET. THAT BUDGET WON'T BE SET IN STONE, BUT IT WILL BE A PLAN FOR THE COUNTY FOR THE 12-MONTH YEAR THAT STARTS OCTOBER 1ST, 2022.

AND THE REASON WE ARE RECOMMENDING THIS IS THAT FIRST OF ALL WE DON'T WANT ANOTHER BUDGET PROCESS.

WE DON'T WANT TO FINISH ONE AND THEN MAKE EVERYONE GO THROUGH AN ENTIRELY NEW ONE. IT WILL GIVE US THE OPPORTUNITY AS WE COLLECT MORE PERFORMANCE DATA AND AS WE SEE WHERE WE ARE ON PROPERTY VALUES IN THE TAX RATE TO CONFIRM THAT PLANNING YEAR BUDGET.

THE TAX RATE AND THE F YIRKS -- THE SFY 2022 WHICH IS THE WHOLE POINT. AND FINALLY COMMISSIONERS' COURT WILL APPROVE HARRIS HEALTH AND THAT WILL GO TO THE BOARD FIRST. AND WE WILL HEAR FROM THEM DURING THESE BUDGETS. NEXT PAGE, PLEASE.

LET'S PLACE THIS IN TIME. THE WORK ON THE BUDGET HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER SIX MONTHS NOW.

THE FIRST STEP WE TOOK WAS AN IMPORTANT ONE.

AS FAR AS I KNOW IT WAS NEVER DONE IN HARRIS COUNTY.

THAT IS TO WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENTS TO REALLY DEFINE A

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WHAT DOES THE COUNTY DO TO MAKE PEOPLE BETTER OFF? WHAT DOES EACH DEPARTMENT DO? HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? HOW MANY PEOPLE AND WHAT EXPENDITURES ARE GOING TO A PARTICULAR SERVICE. THAT WAS LAYING THE FRAMEWORK. WE DID NUMEROUS COUNTY WIDE FRAMES AND THE DEPARTMENTS SUBMITTED SERVICE PROPOSALS AND WE WENT THROUGH AN EVALUATION PROCESS.

AND WE GOT SOME INTER DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET TEAMS. IT IS NOT JUST OMB, BUT FOLKS FROM THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT ANALYST OFFICE AND DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS.

YOU MAY HAVE SOMEONE FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE LOOKING AT A BUDGET REQUEST. THOSE ARE INFORMATIONAL.

THEY ARE NOT BINDING. I THINK IT WAS A REALLY GOOD EFFORT TO BROADEN THE COUNTY. WITH THOSE REQUESTS WE WORKED WITH THE AUDITOR AND PUT TOGETHER AN ENVELOPE OF WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE AND SUBMITTED A HIGH-LEVEL SUMMARY OF WHAT REQUESTS WE HAVE AND NOW WE ARE AT BUDGET HEARINGS THAT WILL UNFOLD WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

NEXT PAGE, PLEASE? WE WILL HAVE OUR BUDGET HEARINGS. ON THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT MEETING THEY WILL HAVE A PROPOSED BUDGET.

GIVEN THE TIMING IT WILL NOT BE DISTRIBUTED FAR IN ADVANCE. WE WILL HAVE A LOT OF WORK AND IT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DISCUSSION.

THERE WON'T BE ACTION UNTIL FEBRUARY 8TH WHEN WE HAVE THE 12-MONTH BUDGET. WE WILL OPERATE UNDER THAT 7-MONTH PLANNING BUDGET. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2022 WE WILL WORK IT INTO A PLANNING BUDGET AND SET TAX RATES.

THEY WILL LINEUP AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT CAN CLEARLY SEE THE TRADEOFF BETWEEN REVENUE AND INVESTMENTS OF THE COUNTY. YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT DEPARTMENTS AND REQUESTS. BEFORE WE GET INTO THAT I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE HELPFUL THAT AT THE 30,000 FOOT LEVEL TALK ABOUT WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE FACTORS AND WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVE FACTORS IN TERMS OF THE COUNTY'S ABILITY TO FUND INVESTMENTS? THERE ARE A NUMBER OF POSITIVE FACTORS. WE ARE IN GREAT FINANCIAL SHAPE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. WE ARE GOING TO BEGIN THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR WITH ESTIMATED GENERAL FUND CASH BALANCES SO THAT IS GENERAL FUND AND CONTINGENCY FUND AND COVID FUNDS OVER $1.5 BILLION IS OUR CURRENT ESTIMATE.

WE MAINTAIN THE TOP CREDIT RATING OF TRIPLE-A WITH THE LOWEST POSSIBLE BORROWING COSTS.

WE GOT A $915 MILLION ALLOCATION FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN. AND UNLIKE SOME, WE HAVE NOT HAD TO USE THAT MONEY TO CLOSE THE BUDGET SHORT FALLS TO BUY TIME AND WE ARE DOING THINGS TO RESPOND TO THE PANDEMIC.

AND WHEN I STARTED 17 MONTHS AGO WE SAID WHAT WILL IT DO TO PROPERTY VALUES WHICH IS THE BIGGEST SOURCE OF THE REVENUE BASE. WHAT WE HAVE SEEN IS THE VALUES HAVE REMAINED STRONG AND PARTICULARLY IN RESIDENTIAL AND NOW IN MULTI-FAMILY AND INDUSTRIAL AS WELL. I DON'T WANT TO MINIMIZE THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF HEAD WINDS HERE.

WE ARE GOING TO FACE TOUGH DECISIONS AND BEING ABLE TO ADD WITHOUT DOING LESS OF SOMETHING ELSE.

OUR PROJECTED HEALTH COSTS IN THE UPCOMING YEAR, WE PAY DIRECTLY, 16% INCREASE. WE ARE SEEING INFLATION EXSIDING 5%. EXCEEDING 5%.

WE HAVE A VERY TIGHT LABOR MARKET.

WE HAVE A CRIMINAL CASE BACKLOG.

IT IS NOT JUST A SAFETY, BUT FINANCIAL ISSUE.

A HIGH JAIL POPULATION AND PRE-PRIAL SERVICES -- PRE-TRIAL SERVICES IS DEMANDING A LOT OF RESOURCE

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WE HAVE HAD THREE YEARS OF CONSECUTIVE TAX CUTS.

WHICH MEANS WE HAD LIMITED REVENUE GROWTH.

EVEN AS PROPERTY TAX VALUES HAVE BEEN STRONG.

AND I AT LEAST HAVE BEEN LEARNING AND I THINK OTHERS HAVE THAT SENATE BILL 2, THE PROPERTY TAX BILL THAT THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE PASSED HAS AFFECTED THE LONG-TERM GROWTH OF COUNTY REVENUE. WE ARE NOT LOOKING AT 4 TO 5 TO 6% REVENUE GROWTH. WE ARE LIKELY LOOKING AT 2 TO 3% DUE TO THE WAY THE BILL WORKS.

THAT'S A NEW PARADIGM FOR HARRIS COUNTY.

IT KEPT TAX RATES THE SAME EVEN AS THE TAX BASE WENT UP WELL OVER 60%. NEXT PAGE PLEASE.

IN LIGHT OF THE FINANCIAL PRESSURES THE COUNTY IS FACING AND ALSO JUST BECAUSE I THINK THERE IS SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT, THE OMB TEAMWORKING WITH COUNTY DEPARTMENTS, IT REALLY ISN'T JUST A ONE DEPARTMENT EFFORT HAS MADE A NUMBER OF BUDGET PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS.

SOME OF THESE ARE FULLY MATURE IN THIS YEAR'S BUDGET AND SOME OF THEM WILL CONTINUE TO MATURE OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS. I THINK I SAID REALLY GETTING TO WHERE WE WANT TO BE IS A THREE TO FOUR-YEAR PROCESS.

THAT'S WHAT EVERYONE TOLD ME. THAT I CAN CONFIRM IS THE CASE TO FULLY DELIVER ON THE OUTCOME BUDGET.

BUT AT THE HEART OF OUTCOME BUDGETING IS DEFINING PRIORITY OUTCOME. WHAT ARE THE WAYS THAT COMMISSIONERS' COURT WANTS TO MAKE PEOPLE'S LIVES BETTER? FUNDING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT IMPROVE THE PRIORITY HEALTH PRODUCTS. IT IS NOT JUST BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN DONE, BUT BECAUSE IT MAKES PEOPLE BETTER OFF.

AS I MENTIONED WE PUT IN PLACE A STANDARDIZED -- A SET OF STANDARDIZED PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AND ASSIGNING COSTS TO THAT. THAT'S AN ESSENTIAL TOOL TO DO BUDGETING AND TO MANAGE DEPARTMENTS EFFECTIVELY.

NOT SOMETHING WE HAVE HAD IN THE PAST.

WE ARE IMPLEMENTING A IN YOU POLICY ON POSITIONS.

I KNOW IT HAS COME UP A NUMBER OF TIMES BEFORE THIS COURT.

SOMETIMES THE DEPARTMENTS HAVE POSITION CONTROL NUMBERS, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO PAY PEOPLE. WE WILL HAVE A NEW FISCAL POLICY ON THAT. WE ARE CHANGING THE FIT CAL YEAR AND ALSO SOME -- THE FISCAL YEAR AND IMPROVEMENTS AROUND CIP AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ON THE PCN'S IF THEY DO NOT HAVE THE RECURRING BUDGET AVAILABILITY WILL THEY BE DELETED? HOW DOES IT -- I READ THE MAXIMUMS ARE SET TO ZERO AND I ALSO READ THAT THEY NEED TO DOWNSTREAM AVAILABILITY.

WHICH IS IT? >> SOME MAY BE DELETED.

IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES WE EITHER CAN'T OR DEPARTMENTS WON'T WANT TO DELETE THE POSITION ALTOGETHER.

AND IT WILL BE -- THE BUDGET MAX WILL BESET TO ZERO UNLESS THEY SAY, HEY, I HAVE MONEY TO FILL THIS POSITION AND THAT IS REVIEWED BY THE BUDGET DEPARTMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCES. IT IS NOT A ONE-SIZE FITS ALL. IN SOME CASE ITSELF CAN BE DELETED AND IN SOME CASES IF IT IS WE WANT TO FILL THIS DOWN THE ROAD AND WE MAY WANT TO LOWER PAY EMPLOYEES INSTEAD OF HIGHER PAID WE CAN KEEP THE POSITIONS AROUND AND NOT DELETE THEM AND THEN RECREATE THEM.

THE POINT IS TO NOT TAKE AWAY FLEXIBILITY.

THE POINT IS TO MAKE SURE THERE ARE GOOD CONTROLS IN PLACE. TIFFANY, COULD YOU GO TO THE NEXT PAGE, PLEASE? AS WE TALK ABOUT OUTCOME BUDGETING, THESE ARE THE PRIORITY OUTCOMES THAT COMMISSIONERS' COURT APPROVED AND THAT OMB WORKED WITH THE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS TO DEVELOP.

ACROSS EIGHT GOAL AREAS WE HAVE 26 PRIORITY OUTCOMES.

WON'T READ ALL OF THESE ALLOWED.

THE FUNCTION IS TO LOOK AT INVESTMENTS TOGETHER THAT ACHIEVE A CERTAIN OUTCOME. AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THOSE THAT ARE MOST LIKELY TO ACHIEVE IT.

IT IS ALSO TO TRY TO SET PRIORITIES.

IF THE SERVICE PROPOSAL AS -- HAS A WAY -- HAS A WAY TO PROVE ONE OF THE OUTCOMES IT GOES TO THE TOP OF THE LIST.

THIS HAS PROVIDED GUIDANCE TO THE DEPARTMENT.

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NEXT PAGE, PLEASE. SO TURNING BRIEFLY TO THE NUMBERS, WHAT DO WE HAVE AVAILABLE VERSUS WHAT ARE FOLKS ASKING FOR? YOU WILL HEAR A LOT OF COMPELLING PRESENTATIONS FROM DEPARTMENTS, BUT THE REALITY IS THAT WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH RESOURCES TO FUND ALL OF THE REQUESTS THAT HAVE MERIT. WE ARE LOOKING HERE AT THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR 2022. AND WHAT WE ARE RECOMMENDING HERE IS THAT THE COUNTY SHOULD NOT SPEND MORE MONEY IN THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR THAT HAS AT CURRENT REVENUE LEVELS.

WE DON'T WANT TO ADD NEW COSTS DURING THIS SHORT FISCAL YEAR THAT WE WOULD BE RELYING ON INCREASED REVENUES IN THE FUTURE TO PICK UP. THINK OF THAT AS SORT OF THE CURRENT STATE OF TAXING REVENUE.

WHEN YOU TAKE THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND TAKE OUT WHAT WE CALL THE AVAILABLE BUDGET AND THAT IS THE PEOPLE AND THE COST THAT'S THE COUNTY IS CURRENTLY PROVIDING, THERE IS ABOUT $43 MILLION AVAILABLE. AND THAT COMPARES TO THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS OF 119 MILLION, HEALTH AND PENSION BENEFITS INCREASES 17 MILLION.

THAT'S MOSTLY HEALTH BENEFITS. THAT MEANS WE ARE $93 MILLION SHORT. AND THAT IS BEFORE A SALARY INCREASE FOR EMPLOYEES. I DO FEEL STRONGLY THAT WE SHOULD DO OUR BEST TO DO WHAT WE CAN FOR EMPLOYEES AND THE INFLATIONARY MARKET. WE MAY HAVE TO DO THAT IN A SHORT FISCAL YEAR AND SOME OF THAT IN A FULL FISCAL YEAR.

OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE WORK TO DO. THIS IS NOT A MATTER OF APPROVING THE MAJORITY OF THE REQUESTS THAT COME ACROSS, BUT WHAT WE WILL HAVE TO DO IS A COMBINATION OF NOT APPROVING REQUESTS AND LOOKING AT ARE THERE GRANTS, ARE THERE C -- CIP DOLLARS THAT WILL COVER THE NEEDS OF THESE REQUESTS, AND ARE THERE THINGS IN THE CURRENT BUDGET AND THE BASELINE BUDGET THAT WE SHOULD DO LESS OF OR NOT DO TO MAKE ROOM OF THE MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENTS? THOSE ARE THE WAYS WE WILL GET FROM WHERE WE ARE WHICH IS HAVING WAY MORE REQUESTS THAN WE DO RESOURCES TO A BALANCED

BUDGET. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHERE IN THE BUDGET BOOK IS THAT CHART? I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND IT.

>> I DON'T KNOW OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD.

>> JUDGE IT SHOULD BE IN SUMMARY 1 OF RESOURCES AND

REQUESTS. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

AND THEN WHEN YOU SAY THE REDUCED BASELINE, CAN YOU GO OVER AGAIN WHAT IT MEANS EXACTLY?

>> IT COULD MEAN WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT -- WE WILL DO LESS OF THIS SERVICE TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE MORE OF THIS SERVICE THAT IS OUR BUNLETT REQUEST. BUDGET REQUEST.

THERE IS NO NET COSTS. THERE COULD BE SOME SERVICES THAT ARE JUST NOT WORKING AS WELL AS THEY SHOULD BE.

AND WE SHOULD REDUCE FUNDING TO THAT SERVICE SO WE CAN

AFFORD ANOTHER PRIORITY. >> SO BASICALLY WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS THAT FOR THE -- FOR WHATEVER WE APPROVE NEEDS TO BE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023.

THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR DOESN'T HAVE ANY ROOM.

IN FACT, WE NEED TO CUT. >> WE DON'T NEED TO CUT WHAT WE ARE DOING NOW, BUT I WOULD SAY IT WAS THE TOP PRIORITY AND IT IS A MUST FIND INITIATIVE THAT WILL MAKE IT IN AS OF SFY 22. THIS IS AFTER THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: LET ME TAKE ANOTHER STAB AT IT AND MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND IT. WHEN I LOOK AT THIS, IT LOOKS TO ME WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY.

IF WE FUND DEPARTMENTS AT THE BASELINE REQUEST AND SECONDLY WE KEEP OUR EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION UP WITH INFLATION IN THIS COMPETITIVE MARKET, I THINK THAT MEANS WE HAVE NOTHING LESS. IT WILL COST $42 MILLION TO KEEP UP WITH INFLATION. IS THAT RIGHT?

>> SORRY. I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH THAT MATH. ARE YOU SAYING IF WE GAVE EMPLOYEES LIKE A 4%, 5% RAISE?

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>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT IF WE GAVE THEM 3% WHICH WE HAVE GIVEN IN THE PAST? IN OTHER WORDS, IF WE KEEP THE BENEFITS THE SAME AND WE HAVE $17 MILLION IN NEW REQUESTS AND IF WE PROVIDE A 3% SALARY INCREASE ACROSS THE BOARD WHICH IS LESS THAN INFLATION, ARE WE IN THE RED THEN?

>> WE ARE PRETTY CLOSE TO BREAK IN AT THAT POINT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO LET YOU FINISH, BUT DO THE DEPARTMENTS KNOW THIS, OR IS THIS THE FIRST TIME THEY ARE HEARING IT? OBVIOUSLY THE WAY IT WORKS, I LOOKED AT ALL OF THE REQUESTS I HAVE GOTTEN, YOU KNOW, GOOD FRIENDS, MANY CALLED ME TO SEE IF THEY CAN GET STUFF TO MY STAFF. DO THEY KNOW IF WE DO WHAT WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST, YOU KNOW, WE DECIDE WE WANT TO GIVE EMPLOYEES THE 3% ACROSS THE BOARD AND KEEP THEIR BENEFITS THE SAME, THERE IS NO MONEY LEFT.

I KNOW WE WILL GO THROUGH IT, BUT THERE ARE SOME WHO MAY BE ON THE LINE NOW WHO THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO KNOW THAT. IS THAT PRETTY MUCH ACCURATE? I WILL LET YOU FINISH AND THEN MAKE COMMENTS.

>> YOU ARE SAYING WE WANT TO FUND THE HEALTH BENEFITS INCREASE AND 3% ACROSS THE BOARD RAISE, THEN WE WOULD NOT HAVE NET NEW FUNDING FOR INITIATIVES.

EVERYTHING WOULD BE REALLOCATION OR OTHER FUNDING SOURCES. AND TO YOUR QUESTION DO THE DEPARTMENTS KNOW THIS? WE JUST HAVE THE ESTIMATES.

I DO THINK IT HAS BEEN COMMUNICATED OVERALL.

SFY 2022 WILL BE HARD TO ADD SPENDING TO THE COUNTY BUDGET. ONLY THE TOP PRIORITIES AND ESSENTIAL NEEDS ARE LIKELY. I THINK THAT HAS BEEN

COMMUNICATED. >> I AM STILL NOT CLEAR.

I THINK WHAT YOU WERE SAYING BEFORE, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, I THINK YOU SAID THAT THIS -- YOU KNOW, REDUCING THE BASELINE ASSUMES -- IS INCORPORATING INTO THE FORMULA THE $1 WIN 9 MILLION -- THE $119 MILLION FOR THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR. IF YOU REMOVE THIS FOURTH COLUMN, THE $119 MILLION DEPARTMENT REQUESTS, I THINK THAT'S WHAT I AM ALSO HEARING COMMISSIONER ELLIS ASK.

BASICALLY YOU ARE AT 43 MILLION.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES MINUS THE BASELINE BUDGET? ANYWAY, YOU HAVE $43 MILLION FISCAL SPACE AND YOU SUBTRACT THE $17 MILLION FOR HEALTH AND PENSION BENEFIT INCREASES WHICH WE ARE ASSUMING WILL HAPPEN AND THEN YOU HAVE 26.

AND THEN YOU SUBTRACT THE SALARY INCREASE WHICH HOW MUCH IS THE SALARY INCREASE FOR COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT?

>> IT IS ON THE ORDER OF 10 MILLION PER 1%.

>> OBVIOUSLY YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE A RECOMMENDATION, BUT FOR THE SAKE OF THE DISCUSSION, HOW MUCH WOULD WE TYPICALLY

INCREASE IT BY? >> I DON'T KNOW.

LAST YEAR WE MATCHED INFLATION WHICH WAS 1.3%.

THIS YEAR WITH 5% INFLATION IT IS GOING TO BE VERY

CHALLENGING. >> LINA HIDALGO: RIGHT.

>> AND I SUSPECT WE BEST DO SOMETHING NOW THAT IS SMALLER AND SOMETHING IN THE LONG FISCAL YEAR IN THE PLANNING

BUDGET. >> LINA HIDALGO: BASICALLY IF WE DID 1% AND YEAH THE INFLATIONARY ENVIRONMENT IS A BIG CHALLENGE AS YOU NOTE IN YOUR SUMMARY.

IF WE DID 1% WE WOULD END UP WITH 16 MILLION.

IF WE DID 2% WE WOULD END UP WITH $6 MILLION FOR NEW REQUESTS. WHAT YOU ARE SAYING BASICALLY IS WE DON'T HAVE ROOM FOR NEW REQUESTS -- ASSUMING WE ARE PROVIDING HEALTH AND PENSION BENEFITS BECAUSE IT IS THE SAME BENEFITS OF THE THE COSTS HAVE JUST INCREASED.

AND ASSUMING WE ARE PROVIDING SOME COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT IN THE SALARY, THEN THE ONLY WAY IN WHICH WE COULD APPROVE ANY OF THIS 119 MILLION IS BY FINDING -- IDENTIFYING CUTS ELSEWHERE, RIGHT? WHEN YOU WERE ANSWERING MY QUESTION AND YOU SAID THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION WAS NO , THE ONLY REASON IT IS NO IS BECAUSE IS IF WE DON'T DO THE PENSION AND IF WE DON'T DO THE SALARY INCREASE?

>> THAT'S ROUGHLY RIGHT. IT WOULD BE A VERY SMALL AMOUNT. I THINK -- IF THE CONCLUSION IS IF WE DO A MODEST SALARY INYEAS -- INCREASE, I WOULD AGREE WITH THAT. THAT IS THE RIGHT TAKE AWAY.

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>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WAS PLUGGING IN -- MY STATUTE -- STAFF WAS PLUGGING IN A 3% SALARY INCREASE ACROSS THE BOARD WHICH IS LESS THAN THE RATE OF INFLATION, CORRECT, DAVE, LESS THAN, AND THEN WE ARE IN THE RED.

IF WE DID -- IF WE KEEP BENEFITS THE SAME AND IF WE DID A 3% ACROSS THE BOARD SALARY INCREASE WHICH IS LESS THAN INFLATION, ALL THE MONEY IS GONE.

I DO WANT TO STRESS FOR PEOPLE LISTENING TODAY THAT WHEN I MAKE SOME COMMENTS WHEN YOU FINISH, I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE LOOK AT THAT 900 MILLION AND OBVIOUSLY WHEN WE GO THROUGH THE ARPA PROCESS WE DON'T WANT TO SPEND MONEY ON SOMETHING THAT WE CAN'T PAY FOR WHEN ARPA IS GONE.

>> THAT'S RIGHT. AND BETTER THAN THIS 1,279 MILLION OF RESOURCES, THIS IS WHERE WE EXPECT TO BE RECURRING GENERAL REVENUE. A BASIC RULE OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY IS YOU SHOULDN'T USE ONE-TIME MONEY TO FUND RECURRING COSTS. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS DO IT ALL THE TIME. THEY USE ARPA MONEY ORIE SERVES TO -- OR RESERVES TO PLUG A BUDGET FALL.

THAT'S WHAT THEY HAVE DONE IN THE PAST, BUT I DON'T THINK WE

SHOULD DO IT GOING FORWARD. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU MADE REFERENCE TO SOME PEOPLE USING ARPA MONEY TO PLUG BUDGET HOLES, WE CAN DO IT AND GET YOU THROUGH AN ELECTION, OBVIOUSLY, BUT THOSE PEOPLE HAVE TO BE -- MOST OF IT IS MONEY THAT HAS TO CUT PEOPLE WHICH MEANS CUTTING SERVICES

ONCE THAT MONEY IS GONE. >> CORRECT.

THAT'S WHY I THINK IT IS A BAD IDEA.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE I WILL HAVE MORE COMMENTS, BUT I AM TRYING TO -- I HAVE TO MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND IT AND THEN I WILL MAKE A FEW BRIEF COMMENTS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND I KNOW WE HAVE THE DEPARTMENTS THAT -- I'M STILL NOT ENTIRELY CLEAR ON THIS LAST POINT YOU MADE, DAVE, ON THE -- I'M A LITTLE SLOWER THAN COMMISSIONER ELLIS CLEARLY, BUT WHERE WOULD IT BE A ONE-TIME INVESTMENT?

>> I WAS DRAWING A CONTRAST BETWEEN THIS 1,279 MILLION, THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES HERE. THAT IS EFFECTIVELY OUR BEST ESTIMATE OF WHAT WE COULD SPEND AND ANTICIPATE HAVING RECURRING REVENUE IN THE FUTURE ON TOP OF THOSE COSTS, RIGHT? IF WE WERE LOOKING AT ONE-TIME INVESTMENTS WE COULD OBVIOUSLY SAY, OH, WELL WE HAVE ARPA

MONEY AVAILABLE. >> LINA HIDALGO: GOT IT.

GOT IT. >> THIS IS A SLICE OF THE COUNTY'S OVERALL FUNDS. MY POINT WAS I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THAT THE COUNTY BEGIN SPENDING ONE-TIME FUNDS TO BALANCE THE RECURRING COSTS.

THASES -- THAT'S A PATH TO ENDING UPSIDE DOWN.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT WOULD BE LIKE THE 40 MILLION FOR NURSES TODAY FOR TESTING KITS. WITH THAT 40 MILLION IS -- WHEN THAT 40 MILLION IS GONE, IT IS OVER.

IF THEY CAME BACK AND ASKED US TO DO IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR, IT THEN BECOMES A RECURRING COST.

WE DO IT KNOWING IT IS A ONE-TIME EXPENDITURE.

>> THAT'S RIGHT. AND THE 40 MILLION WE THINK WILL BE REIMBURSED. LET'S ASSUME WE DON'T GET REIMBURSED. IT IS A ONE-TIME EXPENSE AND WE HAVE AN INFLUX OF FEDERAL MONEY.

I THINK IT IS AN APPROPRIATE USE OF MONEY.

I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND -- THERE ARE LIMITATIONS, BUT I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND WE START TRYING TO HIRE PEOPLE WITH ARPA MONEY OR FUND A HEALTH COST GAP. WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WHEN THE ARPA MONEY IS GONE. IT IS NOT LIKE WE CAN JUST JUMP THE REVENUE BACK UP 10% TO RECOVER.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE CAN DECIDE TO TAKE THE FEDERAL MONEY AND DO TRAILS AND PARKS AND ROADS AND WHATEVER, BUT WE WON'T HAVE MONEY TO MAINTAIN THEM. IF YOU SPEND THE MONEY TO HIRE FOLKS TO PICK UP TRASH EVERY YEAR YOU NORMALLY HAVE THAT MONEY WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE. YOU LOOK FOR STUFF THAT IS A ONE-TIME EXPENNED TIRE. WE WILL -- EXPENDITURE.

WE WILL PICK UP THE TRASH NOW, BUT YOU DON'T WANT TO HIRE

PEOPLE TO DO IT EVERY YEAR. >> CORRECT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND DAVE THAT 1.23 BILLION, THE BASELINE BUDGET, WHAT KIND OF LINE ITEMS GO INTO THAT BASE --

BASELINE BUDGET? >> SO EFFECTIVELY THAT IS -- WE STARTED WITH LAST YEAR'S BUDGET.

WE ADDED IN WHAT WERE IN -- ANY OCCUR -- WE SET ASIDE 1% OF GENERAL REVENUE LAST YEAR AND OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR COMMISSIONERS' COURT ADDED SOME NEW PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, BUT WE HAVE STAYED WITHIN THAT 1%, ABOUT 20 MILLION. WE ADDED THAT IN AND WE TOOK OUT WHAT WE COULD IDENTIFY AS ONE-TIME INVESTMENTS.

THOSE DON'T BECOME PART OF THE BASELINE.

AND IN THE DETAIL WE PROVIDED IN THE BUDGET DOCUMENTS, WE

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WHICH MAKES THIS WORK OF CAN WE REALLOCATE FUNDS OR THE THINGS WE WANT TO DO MORE OF RATHER THAN THE OTHER THINGS WE WANT TO DO LESS OF. IT MAKES THAT WORK POSSIBLE TO HAVE IT AT THE PROGRAM AND SERVICE LEVEL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU AT A POINT WHERE YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO LOOK AT -- I MEAN, WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO BEGIN ON EXISTING PROGRAMS VERY MUCH. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON EVALUATING THE NEW REQUESTS LAST YEAR AND OBVIOUSLY THIS YEAR. ARE YOU GOING TO BE ABLE TO DIG INTO PROGRAMS THAT EXISTED BEFORE ANY OF US GOT HERE TO WHERE WE COULD GET THIS KIND OF A REDUCED BASELINE GREEN GLOBING OR IS THAT ASPIRATIONAL?

>> I THINK IT IS SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN, JUDGE.

I FEEL GOOD WE HAVE DECENT ESTIMATES OF THE COST DATA AND THE OTHER QUESTION IS THE PERFORMANCE DATA.

HOW MUCH ARE WE GETTING FOR THAT MONEY? IT IS REALLY CASE BY CASE. IN SOME CASES WE HAVE IT, BUT I JUST WANT TO BE HONEST ABOUT REALLY BUILDING PERFORMANCE DATA AND PERFORMANCE ACROSS THE COUNTY.

WE MADE PROGRESS, BUT NOWHERE NEAR WHERE WE WANT TO BE, NO DOUBT. DO I THINK THERE ARE SOME OPPORTUNITIES TO FREE UP FUNDS? EVEN IF -- EVEN IN THE DEPARTMENT. I WAMT -- I WANT TO DO LESS OF THAT AND REDEDICATE PEOPLE TO DO SOMETHING ELSE OR CUTTING ONE SERVICE -- THERE WILL BE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE BUDGET PROS -- PROS SERKS BUT I DON'T WANT TO PRETEND THERE IS $150 MILLION IN REDUCTIONS.

IF WE DID, WE WOULD TELL YOU. ALL OF THIS IS HARD.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SOME OF THE REDUCTIONS WOULD BE -- MOST OF THE THINGS THAT COME UP YOU WOULD GET PUSH BACK, BUT IT IS LIKE CONSOLIDATING SERVICES. SOMETIMES I MAKE THE COMMENT TO MY COLLEAGUES ON THE LINE -- YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU GET TO THE JUSTICE BASE, BY THE WAY, I THINK THERE HAS TO BE A REAL FOCUS ON ACTIVITY THAT'S REDUCE VIOLENCE.

AND LOOK FOR EFFICIENCIES TO DO THAT, OR WE JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY. I AM HOPING SOMEHOW WE FIND A WAY TO MAKE SURE THE DEPARTMENT HEADS KNOW IT.

I'LL LET YOU FINISH. >> I ONLY HAVE ONE MORE PAGE WHICH IS THE SAME PICTURE FOR THE WHOLE FISCAL YEAR 2023.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THAT THIS PAGE OR ANOTHER PAGE?

>> THIS PAGE. THIS IS THE SAME GRAPH, BUT THIS IS OCTOBER 1ST 2022 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2023. OBVIOUSLY WE HAD TO MAKE ASSUMPTIONS ON THE TAX REVENUE.

BASICALLY WHAT WE HAVE ASSUMED IS THAT THE TAX REVENUE -- OF COURSE IT DEPENDS ON WHERE WE SET THE TAX RATE AND WHERE THE PROPERTY TAXES COME IN. ALL WE HAVE AND A BEST ESTIMATE. AND WHAT WE HAVE ASSUMED IS THAT THERE IS NO INCREASED REVENUE FROM EXISTING PROPERTY , BUT THE COUNTY DOES GET REVENUE FROM NEW PROPERTY.

SO NEW CONSTRUCTION IS ADDED AND WE ARE HAVING A PRETTY STRONG CONSTRUCTION YEAR. THAT ADDS REVENUE.

IN THIS PHYSICIAN -- FISCAL YEAR WE HAVE 105 MILLION IN FISCAL SPACE. WE HAVE ROOM FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND NEW REVENUE. SO THE STORY THAT IN FACT ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF DEPARTMENT REQUESTS CAN REALLY BE FUNDED, THAT REMAINS THE SAME, BUT WE DO HAVE SOME MORE FLEXIBILITY IN OUR PLANNING BUDGET TO SAY, LOOK, IF THERE ARE THE VOTES THERE TO SET THE TAX RATE AT A CERTAIN LEVEL, WE CAN DO NEW THINGS OR WE CAN ADD RESOURCES TO WHAT WE ARE

DOING. >> LINA HIDALGO: IF YOU HAD THE 105 MILLION FISCAL SPACE, AND THAT'S ASSUMING SAME RATE, RIGHT? IF EVERYBODY WALKED AND THERE WAS NO NEW REVENUE WE WOULD COME IN MUCH LOWER?

>> THAT'S CORRECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: IF WE HAVE 105 MILLION FISCAL SPACE MINUS A $27 MILLION PENSION BENEFIT INCREASE WHICH I'M ASSUME IS ALSO AN ASSUMPTION PUTS IT AT 78 AND MINUS A SALARY INCREASE OF LET'S SAY 2% SO 20 MILLION, THAT WOULD PUT US AT $58 MILLION.

>> THAT'S RIGHT. >> LINA HIDALGO: I SEE.

THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DAVE, HAVE

[00:35:13]

YOU FINISHED? >> I'M DONE.

HAPPY TO TAKE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS GOING TO SAY OR MAKE THE POINT THAT YOU BETTER THINK LON -- LONG A HARD WHETHER IT IS A 2% OR 3% SALARY INCREASE. WE ARE LOSING PEOPLE ALREADY.

IT IS A COMPETITIVE MARKET OUT THERE.

EVEN AT 3%, AS I SAID EARLIER, IT DIDN'T KEEP US -- IT DIDN'T LET US KEEP UP WITH INFLATION.

I DID WANT TO WALK THROUGH -- MAKE THE POINT ORIE YIT RATE THAT -- OR REITERATE THAT WE WILL HAVE TO CUT SOMEWHERE IF WE ARE GOING TO MAKE ANY OF THESE NEW INVESTMENTS ABOVE THE BASELINE BUDGET. THAT'S THE REALITY OF IT I THINK. I KNOW SOMEBODY MADE A MOTION, NOT THAT I WILL DO THAT ON THE SALARY INRAYS AND IT WILL BE -- INCREASE AND IT WILL BE TOUGH FOR FOLKS WHO VOTE AGAINST IT. AND I WANT TO STRESS THAT IT IS IMPORTANT WHEN WE GO THROUGH THIS PROCESS AND THE BUDGET FOLKS COME BACK WITH SOME RECOMMENDATIONS, THEY HAVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE HISTORIC UNDER INVESTMENT THE COUNTY HAS HAD IN CERTAIN AREAS AND IT GOES TO THE DISPARITY ARGUMENT, THE LIFE EXPECTANCY IS DIFFERENT.

THEY DID A BIG REPORT ON THAT AND THE COUNTY VARIES AS MUCH AS 24 YEARS. AND WE CAN'T CHANGE IT OVERNIGHT. WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING FOR PLACES TO MAKE AN INVESTMENT OR TO MAKE A CUT, ARE YOU GOING -- YOU HAVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE HISTORIC UNDER INVESTMENT. AND I WANT TO WALK THROUGH HOW EVERYBODY -- OBVIOUSLY WE ARE ALL HAPPY AND WE ARE PROUD AND WE WILL USE IT, LIKE IT OR NOT, ABOUT CUTTING TAXES FOR THREE YEARS IN A ROW. EACH TIME WE CUT TAXES IT WAS A REAL IMPACT. IT WAS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS WE DID IT WHICH IS OPPOSITE OF WHAT THIS BODY DID THE PREVIOUS 12 YEARS. SINCE 2007 THEY HAVE NOT DONE THAT. MY STAFF TELLS ME THE DOLLAR AMOUNT WAS ABOUT 129 MILLION AND WE WOULD HAVE 129 MILLION MORE EACH YEAR TO INVEST IN OUR GENERAL FUND, FLOOD CONTROL AND HARRIS HEALTH. IS THAT PRETTY MUCH ACCURATE?

>> I DON'T KNOW THAT NUMBER OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I ASKED YESTERDAY AND THEY PULLED IT TOGETHER LAST NIGHT. I AM DOING THIS FOR A REASON.

I SUGGEST YOU SEND SOMETHING OUT TO THE DEPARTMENT HEADS SO THEY DON'T JUST GET ANGRY AT US THINKING THAT THEY DIDN'T DO A GOOD JOB OF MAKING THEIR CASE.

ALL I HEARD DID A GOOD JOB MAKING THE CASE.

IT WOULD BE NICE WHEN THIS IS ALIGNED SO THAT WHEN IT IS TIME TO BRING IN THE REVENUE THEY CAN MAKE THEIR CASE INSTEAD OF THINKING THAT WE CAN JUST PERFORM A MIRACLE AND THE MONEY COMES FROM SOMEWHERE.

I MEAN, JUST LIKE ANY FAMILY SITTING AROUND THE TABLE, YOU KNOW, YOU HAVE X AMOUNT OF MONEY.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE MORE MONEY COMING IN, YOU HAVE TO MAKE SOME CUTS OR MAKE SOME CHOICES.

I HEARD THE JUDGE SAY, YOU KNOW, WE MAKE THOSE DECISIONS AND THAT SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT OUR VALUES.

I THINK IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR YOU TO PULL THAT FIGURE AND SEE WHAT WE WOULD HAVE HAD PER YEAR THESE THREE YEARS IF WE HAD DONE THE PREVIOUS SEVEN YEARS.

I DO WANT TO STRESS BECAUSE I KNOW PEOPLE ARE VERY INTERESTED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, EACH YEAR WE PUT MORE MONEY IN JUSTICE AND SAFETY AND OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS WE HAVE SEEN A 5% COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE FOR ADOPTING BUDGETS AND JUSTICE AND SAFETY MAKES UP 61%.

IS THAT PRETTY ACCURATE? 61% OF THE GENERAL FUND REVENUE AND THE LAW ENFORCEMENT BUDGET HAS INCREASED EVERY YEAR UNDER JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA. THEY GOT THE BIGGEST GAINS.

WE HAVE GOTTEN THE BIGGEST GAINS SINCE THEY JOINED THIS COURT. 2018/2019 TO OUR LAST BUDGET AND THE LAW ENFORCEMENT BUDGET GREW BY $100 MILLION.

THERE IS 680 MILLION TO 783 MILLION.

FIT CAL YEAR 7 -- FISCAL YEAR TO 17 TO 18 AND 18 TO 19 WAS 11 MILLION. 689MILLION TO 680 MILLION.

I JUST WARCHT -- WANT TO STRESS THAT GOING FORWARD IF WE WANT TO DO ANY OTHER INVESTMENTS IN JUSTICE AND SAFETY, THE FOCUS BEING ON WHAT REDUCES VIOLENT CRIME AND NOT A LOT OF OTHER THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT.

[00:40:03]

I JUST WANTED TO MAKE THOSE POINTS.

I HOPE YOU LET THE DEPARTMENT HEADS KNOW SO THEY DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL. THEY CAUGHT UP WITH ME OR SAW ME AND ASKED IF I NEED ANYMORE INFORMATION.

I SAID, NOPE, BUT WE NEED SOME MORE MONEY.

THE INFORMATION HAS BEEN GREAT, BUT THE MONEY IS NOT THERE. I JUST WANT TO STRESS THAT SO THEY DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL OR IF I HAVE BEEN A LITTLE TOO BLUNT WHEN I TOLD THEM, SHOW ME THE MONEY.

THAT'S THE REALITY OF WHERE WE ARE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. AND THANK YOU, DAVE I KNOW WE HAVE A COUPLE OF SPEAKERS ON THE BUDGET HEARINGS TODAY.

LET'S TAKE THE BUDGE -- THE BUDGET-RELATED SPEAKERS, TIFFANY AND THEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT WE WILL BEGIN

[Justice Administration]

LET'S HEAR THE SPEAKERS. >> OKAY.

JACOB CLEMENTEGE IS SPEAKING IN PERSON ON DOMESTIC

RELATIONS. >> HI.

I AM JACOB CLEMENTEGE AND I HAVE A SPEAKER HERE FOR ME.

>> READING FOR JACOB CLEMENTEGE.

DOMESTIC RELATIONS BRING TOGETHER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

MOST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS DO NOT LIKE TO DEAL WITH DOMESTIC ISSUES. COMMISSIONER ADRIAN GARCIA WOULD PROBABLY AGREE. I THINK THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS THAT DEAL WITH DOMESTIC RELATIONS SHOULD GET HAZARD PAY. DOMESTIC RELATIONS DEALING WITH BEING PRO-LIFE SHOULD GET TOP BILLING BECAUSE BEING PRO-LIFE IS THE WAY TO BE. I MYSELF AM VERY PRO-LIFE.

>> I NOW HAVE TWO SORT OF THE SAME ISSUES.

ONE IS THE INTENTION THAT I HAVE FOR YOU COMMISSIONERS AND FOR THE JUDGE. HE WILL [INAUDIBLE].

I ALSO WANT TO SAY THAT I AM NOT GONNA TALK ABOUT MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH A DOMESTIC RELATION ISSUE THAT MY MOTHER WAS HAVING. SHE WANTED ME TO GO TO A PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL -- THIS NOVEMBER AND SO I DID GO TO IT , BUT SHE HAD TWO CONSTABLES AND BESIDES THE POINT THAT SHE WANTED ME TO GO TO THE MENTAL HOSPITAL SINCE I HAVE MENTAL ISSUES. AND I SAY AGAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, CONSTABLES, POLICE, SHERIFF DEPUTIES, THEY SHOULD GET HAZARDOUS PAY FOR ALL ISSUES DEALING WITH DOMESTIC RELATIONS.

OKAY. I HAVE A MINUTE AND 37 LEFT.

DO I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THOSE ISSUES?

I GUESS NOT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR

THE COMMENTS. >> YOU'RE WELCOME, JUDGE LIEN

-- LENA. >> BYE, NOW.

>> JUDGE, THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKER WHEEZE WERE ABLE TO

REACH. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

GREAT. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

WE WILL BEGIN WITH OUR FIRST DEPARTMENT THEN.

IT IS JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE LINA HUH -- JUDGE LINA HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS.

IS THIS VOLUME OKAY? CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN HEAR YOU.

>> WONDERFUL. I AM HERE TO PRESENT OUR DEPARTMENT'S BUDGET OVER VIER.

BEFORE I -- OVERVIEW. BEFORE I DO SO I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MR. BERRY AND THE OFFICE OF BUDGET FOR HELPING US WITH THIS PROCESS.

THEIR TEAM WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS AND WE APPRECIATE IT. I ALSO HAVE ON THE LINE OUR DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OUR ADMINISTRATION SPECIAL PROJECTS. I ALSO WANT TO THANK HIM FOR THE WONDERFUL WORK HE HAS DONE.

LASTLY I WANTED TO THANK OUR WHOLE JAD TEAM FOR THE COMMITMENT ADVANCING WHAT WE DO.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. WHAT IS IT THAT WE DO? THIS BODY CREATED US TO FACILITATE MEANINGFUL

[00:45:03]

ONE OF THOSE -- WHAT ARE THOSE IMPROVEMENTS MEANT TO ACCOMPLISH? EQUITY AND SAFETY AND THE USE OF BEST PRACTICES AND NGT BUILT.

THE REASON WHY YOU WANTED THAT IS BECAUSE YOU UNDERSTOOD THAT ALL HARRIS RESIDENTS, ALL HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS ASSERT TO LIVE IN SAFE AND HEALTHY AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES.

HOW DO WE GO ABOUT DOING THAT? IT IS THROUGH OUR ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT SERVICES AND OPERATION SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGE -- ENGAGEMENT AND DATA ANALYSIS AND PROGRAM SUPPORT AND POLICY RESEARCH. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

WE DEPLOYED ALL OF THESE PARTICULAR WAYS OF DOING OUR WORK TO MEET WHAT ARE OUR PRIORITIES? OUR PRIORITY RTZ PRIORITIES YOU HAVE GIVEN US.

WE MEET AND WORK TOWARD ALL FIVE OF THE SAFETY AND JUSTICE OUTCOMES AND PRIORITIES. AND TWO OF THE FOUR GOVERNENCE AND CUSTOMER PRIORITIES. IT INCLUDES THE REDUCTION OF RACIAL AND EQUITABLE BIASES AND EXPOSURE TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND LESSENING THE EXPOSURE OF THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM AND SUPPORTS FOR SURVIVORS OF CRIME AND THE REDUCTION OF VIOLENCE, PROVIDING OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE AND MAKING SURE THAT OUR STAFF ALSO IS IN LINE WITH THE ADVERSE AND TALENTED WORKFORCE.

OUR OBJECTIVES IS TO BE TRANSPARENT SO THE PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE INS AND OUTS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND INCREASE SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS OF CRIME, TO IDENTIFY POLICY SOLUTION THAT'S ARE GROUNDED ON BEST PRACTICES AND TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT ALL OF THE WORK THAT THIS COURT IS DOING AND ALL OF OUR SYSTEM IS DOING TO ENSURE THE COME COMPLIANCE WITH THE O'DONNELL CONSENT DECREE. NEXT SLIDE.

WHAT ARE YOU GOTTEN FROM THE INVESTMENT? WE HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF DASHBOARDS THAT ARE ONE OF A KIND. FOR EXAMPLE, WE HAVE OUR TRAFFIC REPORT THAT COVERS ALL 254 COUNTIES.

THERE IS NO DASHBOARD LIKE THAT IN THE WHOLE STATE OF TEXAS AND NO OTHER COUNTY HAS THAT.

IT DOES A COMPLETE COMPARISON OF THE OUTCOMES OF TRAFFIC STOPS. WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE A LOT OF RESEARCH AND UH -- AND ASSISTANCE THAT LEAD TO THE CREATION OF THE HOLISTIC RESPONSE PROGRAM AND MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERUMS -- INTERRUPTION PROGRAM.

WE HAVE DONE DASHBOARDS ON INDIGENT DEFENSE AND DONE DASHBOARDS ON MAKING SURE THAT THE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDS THE STATE OF WHICH CRIME EXISTS. WE HAVE DONE THE CREATION OF THE JUSTICE REINVESTMENT FUND.

IT IS ONE OF A KIND IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.

AND THE RENNE -- REINSTATEMENT OF RACIAL AND EQUITY SERIES.

WE ALSO HAD SEVERAL CHALLENGES.

ONE OF THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES HAS BEEN THE TRANSITION THAT OUR DEPARTMENT WHICH IS RELATIVELY NEW HAS GONE.

WE HAD A PREVIOUS DIRECTOR AND THAT DIRECTOR WAS SERVING AS THE INTERIM OF PRE-TRIAL SERVICES AND THAT WAS A LITTLE BIT OF A -- THAT CAUSED SOME CHALLENGES FOR US.

WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED SOME DATA TALL -- CHALLENGE THAT WE WERE WORKING THROUGH AND WE HAVE LIMITED COMMUNICATION AND OUT REACH CAPACITY. THE COUNTY IS BIG AND IT HAS BEEN CHALLENGING TO INTEGRATE AND SPEAK WITH ALL OF THE VARIOUS COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE COUNTY.

THIS COURT IS COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING AND KEEPING UP WITH THE SERVICES AND ALL OF THE REQUESTS WE ARE GETTING FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES TO BE ABLE TO GET INFORMATION REGARDING DATA. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

DESPITE OUR CHALLENGES THE WORK HAS TO CONTINUE.

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE PERFORMANCE AND THE PROGRESS WE HAVE MADE. I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT ALL OF THE PROGRESS THAT ARE LISTED IN THESE PARTICULAR -- IN THIS PARTICULAR SLIDE IS NOT SOMETHING THE JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT DOES ON ITS OWN.

AND THERE IS A LOT OF SYSTEM DIRECTOR THAT'S HAVE PLAYED, INCLUDING THIS COURT, IN REDUCING THE COURT CASE BACKLOG AND ATTEMPTING TO REDUCE THE JAIL POPULATION.

I DON'T WANT TO SAY THAT THIS IS SOMETHING WE ARE 100% RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE WE ARE NOT.

IT IS THE D.A. IT IS THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE. IT IS THE JUDGES.

IT IS THE BUDGET DEPARTMENT. IT BASICALLY TAKES THE WHOLE COUNTY INFRASTRUCTURE TO BE ABLE TO HELP ADDRESS THESE CHALLENGES AND THE MEMBERS OF COURT WHILE BEING IN COMPLIANCE WITH O'DONNELL CONSENT DECREE.

[00:50:03]

AND WE WERE VERY MINDFUL OF THE REQUEST WE MADE.

YOU ALL HAVE A VERY DIFFICULT DECISION TO MAKE.

THERE IS A LOT OF VARIOUS REQUESTS AND WE UNDERSTAND THE PREDICAMENT WE FIND OURSELVES IN.

THE REQUEST THAT WE HAVE MADE ARE BASED ON THE THINGS THAT WE FEEL WE NEED. THE FIRST TWO REQUESTS YOU CAN SEE ON THIS SLIDE ARE O'DONNELL-RELATED REQUESTS.

THESE ARE THINGS WE HAVE TO DO.

THESE ARE THINGS THAT INCLUDE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE MITIGATION OF TRAINING AND APPEARANCE AND WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO DO THAT.

THE SECOND REQUEST WAS DEEMED A NECESSARY -- PRIORITY FOR COMMISSIONERS' COURT. IT LOOKS AT THE ROOT PROCESS OF HOME LESSNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND POVERTY. IT WAS APPROVED LAST TIME, BUT THE MONEY THAT WE HAD AND ALLOCATED IN THIS PROJECT FELL UNDER THE LAST YEAR'S BUDGET. THE TIMING DID NOT ALLOW US TO SPEND THAT MONEY SO WE NEED TO REQUEST IT AGAIN TO MAKE SURE THIS REPORT IS FULFILLED. THE FOLLOWING REQUESTS IS NOT ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL STAFF. WE UNDERSTAND THE PREDICAMENT WE ARE IN. WE HAVE NOT IN OUR BUDGET -- EVEN THOUGH WE CAN USE OUR HELP LIKE MANY DEPARTMENTS COULD, WE WERE MINDFUL NOT TO ASK FOR ADDITIONAL STAFF.

WE UNDERSTAND THAT WE HAVE A CHALLENGING TIME WITH THE MONEY. THIS PARTICULAR POSITION IS NOT A NEW POSITION. IT IS A POSITION THAT WE ALREADY HAD EXCEPT IT IS UNDER THE FORFEITURE ASSET FUND.

WE ARE ASKING TO BE TRANSITIONED TO A GENERAL FUND AND NO LONGER PART OF THE FORFEITURE IN ASSET FUND.

THE OTHER LINE ITEM ADDRESSES ONE OF THE TOPIC AREAS THAT WE THINK ARE CRITICAL. IT IS ABLE TO FULFILL THE PURPOSE. THAT IS MAKING SURE THE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDS THE CHALLENGES THAT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM FACES AND THE SOLUTIONS AND MAKING SURE WE ARE ENGAGING WITH THEM. WE CAN LEARN ABOUT THEIR PERSPECTIVES AND WHAT THEY ARE GOING THROUGH.

THIS REQUEST COVERS CONTRACT ASSISTANCE TO HELP US ADVANCE THE WORK AND MAKE SURE OUR POLICIES ARE GROUNDED ON BEST PRACTICES AND WE ARE UNDERSTOOD AND WE ACTUALLY ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY IN THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY POSSIBLE.

THE FOLLOWING REQUEST IS BAIL.

I CAN'T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME THAT YOU HAVE NOT BROUGHT IT UP. WE ARE GETTING REQUESTS AND WE HAD NOT DONE THE BEST JOB AT MAKING SURE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO CURTAIL THE REQUESTS IN AN EFFECTIVE AND TIMELY MANNER AS WE WISH WE COULD. WE HAVE THIS DASHBOARD WE HAVE COMPLETED THE FIRST PHASE OF AND WE ARE SHARING WITH THE DATA GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE AND WE HAVE -- WE GET A LOT OF INFORMATION REQUESTS ON THE IMPACT AND THIS PARTICULAR REQUEST IS GOING TO HELP US DO A FEW THINGS.

WHATEVER IS NEEDED ACROSS THE DEPARTMENT ARE MERGED, ASSESSED, ANALYZED AND CLEAN UP UP SO WE CAN HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE DATA OF JAIL-RELATED DATA.

THE SECOND IS PROVIDING A REPORT WITH THE DE -- DESCRIPTIVE FINDINGS AND THE THIRD THING IS HELPING US WITH PROCEDURES THAT CAN ALLOW US TO LINK THE DATA POINTS FOR FUTURE YEARS. THAT IS WHAT THAT REQUEST IS FOR AND LASTLY WE CAN'T FORGET ABOUT THE KIDS.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE FOUND IN OUR RESEARCH IS CHILDREN WHO ARE TRANSITIONING FROM THE PROBATION DEPARTMENT HAVE TO OVERCOME STRUCTURAL BARRIERS AND COMING BACK TO SCHOOL.

SOMETIMES IT TAKES WEEKS TO MONTHS FOR KIDDOS TO INTEGRATE BACK TO SCHOOL. THIS IS A MODEST REQUEST OF $50,000 TO HELP A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION SUPPORT TO BE

[00:55:09]

AND IN THAT WAY WE CAN LEARN FROM THAT EXPERIENCE.

WE WOULD NOT BE DOING THOSE SERVICES AND WE WILL BE MANAGING THE INVESTMENT FUND AND ENGAGEMENT GRANTS.

THOSE ARE OUR HUMBLE REQUESTS.

WE UNDERSTAND YOU ARE IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION AND HOPE YOU CONSIDER OUR REQUESTS. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY

QUESTIONS THAT WE HAVE. >> LINA HIDALGO: CAN YOU CLARIFY THE JUVENILE PROGRAM SO THAT THE COMMUNITY-BASED

GROUP DOES WHAT? >> WHAT THE COMMUNITY-BASED GROUP WOULD DO IS SUPPORT AND GUIDE THE COMMUNITY MEMBER, THE FAMILY MEMBER IN NAVIGATING THROUGH THE PROCESS OF GOING BACK TO SCHOOL AND THEY DON'T HAVE THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK. THERE COULD BE A DENIAL OF ENROLLMENT BASED ON PAPERWORK AND IT WOULD BE BASED IN A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION AND WOULD BE ABLE TO BE A SUPPORT AND BE A GUIDANCE SUPPORT TO THE FAMILY SO THEY CAN GO AHEAD AND BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THEM AND THE DOCUMENTATION AND THE SYSTEMIC BARRIER THEY MAY FACE.

IT IS A PILOT PROGRAM AND WE ARE HOPING TO LEARN FROM THAT PARTICULAR INSTANCE. THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH US AND WE FELT LIKE HAVING ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR KIDS TO BE REENROLLED IN A FASTER WAY INSTEAD OF BEING IN LIMBO WOULD BENEFIT THE CHILD AND HELP THEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A COST? IF IT WAS GOING THROUGH A NONPROFIT WHAT MEASURABLE DIFFERENCE WOULD THIS PERSON --

>> IT WOULD HELP THEM ACTUALLY -- IT WOULD HELP THEM ACTUALLY WORK ON THE PROJECT. THERE IS NONPROFITS THAT ARE THERE AND THEY HELP SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY AND THEY DON'T HAVE THE NECESSARY RESOURCES TO HONE DOWN ON THE ISSUES OF ENROLLMENT. THIS WOULD BE A PILOT PROGRAM THAT WILL BEEF UP WHATEVER RESOURCES THEY CURRENTLY HAVE. IT HAS BEEN SIX MONTHS UNTIL EVERYTHING WENT WELL, BUT IT IS A RE-ENTRY PROCESS AND WE CAN SEE IF THIS STRATEGY WILL HELP SERVE.

SO IT IS -- I KNOW IT IS $50,000 AND IT IS MEANT TO BEEF UP THAT PARTICULAR WORK THEY DO.

IT IS MORE FOCUSED TO ENSURING THE CHILD IS PROPERLYIEN ROLLED AND MORE QUICKLY ENROLLED IN SCHOOL WHILE STAYING WITH THEM FOR SIX MONTHS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND IS IT SOUNDS LIKE THAT'S WHAT THE NONPROFIT IS ALREADY DOING.

IF WE WANT TO MAKE AN INVESTMENT, I THINK IT SHOULD BE LARGER. I WILL HAVE MY TEAM FOLLOW-UP. IT IS JUST NOT CLEAR TO ME AND I THINK IF WE SHOULD TAKE IT ON WE SHOULD TAKE IT ON.

I AM JUST NOT CLEAR ON HOW ONE --

>> I AM HAPPY TO RESPOND AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOUR TEAM

WILL HAVE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS, DID YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FOR JERKS AD BEFORE WE -- DID YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

FOR JAD BEFORE WE MOVE ON. >> IT IS A SMALL DEPARTMENT.

AND I THINK FOR THE SAVINGS IT BRINGS IN.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER AND THANK YOU, MEMBERS.

AGAIN, HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS OF YOUR TEAM LATER

ON. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER AND FOR ALL OF THE WORK YOU DO. WE HAVE PROBATE COURTS NEXT

[Probate Courts]

[01:00:07]

STARTING WITH JUDGE TIMINOW. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYBODY.

I CAN SEE THAT YOU HAVE MY PRESENTATION THERE.

THANK YOU, EVERYBODY. I AM HAPPY THAT THE FOUR PROBATE COURTS ARE PRESENTING A CONSOLIDATED BUDGET AGAIN THIS YEAR. THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR WE HAVE DONE THIS AND I KNOW COMMISSIONERS' COURT HAS BEEN ASKING FOR THIS FOR A VERY LONGTIME.

AND WE ARE MOVING TOWARD MAKING SURE THAT THIS IS AN EFFICIENT PROCESS. LET'S GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. THANKS TO OMB AND ALL OF US WHO ARE LOOKING AT THIS. THIS IS A HUGE UNDERTAKING.

IT IS EDUCATIONAL TO UNDERSTAND IT MORE DEEPLY ABOUT HOW THE BUDGET IS DONE AND HELPED TO ALIGN THE COURTS. THESE ARE THE PROGRAMS AND THE SERVICES WE ARE PROCEEDING WITH AND MENTAL HEALTH PROCEEDINGS. I DON'T KNOW IF -- YOU MAY NOT HAVE MY UPDATED ONE. IS -- CAN WE GO TO THE NEXT PAGE. THE PROBATE COURTS ARE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROVIDERS. I WISH I HAD PUT THIS IN THERE. WE CURRENTLY SUPERVISE 8,000 GUARDIANSHIPS IN HARRIS COUNTY.

THAT IS PEOPLE WHO ARE MINORS IN A GUARDIANSHIP THAT ARE VERY FEW. MOST OF THEM ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD A FINDING OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AND ARE UNDER A GUARDIANSHIP STARTING AT AGE 18.

THAT CAN GO THROUGHOUT THEIR ENTIRE LIVES.

WHEN YOU OPEN UP A GUARDIANSHIP IN PROBATE COURT IT DOESN'T GO AWAY BECAUSE IT IS DISPENSED WITH.

WE ARE CONTINUALLY MONITORING THOSE AND GROWING AT 800 PER YEAR. THIS IS ALL FOR PROBATE COURTS. THAT'S BECOMING CAL LENGTHING -- THAT'S BECOMING CHALLENGING TO MAINTAIN THESE -- YOU CAN GO BACK TO THE PREVIOUS SLIDE.

I WILL TALK A LITTLE MORE. WE PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. IN 2020 -- OR 2021 RATHER WE HELD ABOUT 16,400 MENTAL HEALTH PROBABLE CAUSE HEARINGS.

IT IS INCREASING AT A RATE OF 1,000 PER YEAR.

WHEN THE NEW PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL GOES ONLINE, THE ONE NEXT TO THE HARRIS COUNTY PSYCHIATRIC CENTER, WHEN THAT GOES ONLINE IN MARCH WE ARE EXPECTING IT TO JUMP HIGHER AND FASTER. WE HAVE DONE 750 FINAL COMMITMENT HEARINGS. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I'M MOST PROUD OF IS A PROGRAM THAT JUDGE JASON COX PUT IN PLACE WHICH IS THE ASSISTED OUTPATIENT TREATMENT PROGRAM, AOT, THAT HELPS PEOPLE MAINTAIN THEIR ABILITY TO BE MEDICALLY COMPLIANCE -- COMPLIANT AS WELL AS GOING THROUGH THERAPY THAT MAY BE REQUIRED.

HE AND HIS COURT DID ABOUT 350 HEARINGS ON THAT.

WE ALSO SUPERVISED DECEASED ESTATES.

WHEN WE HAD A DEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION WE WOULD HAVE TO WATCH OVER EVERYTHING. WE WOULD HAVE TO DO ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND ALL OF THOSE THINGS.

WE HAVE TO AUDIT THESE KINDS OF THINGS.

WE ARE THE COURT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES FILED THEIR ELDER ABUSE PROTECTIVE ORDERS IN.

YOU CAN GO TO THE NEXT PAGE, PLEASE.

THANK YOU. AND PRIORITY OUTCOMES IS IN UNIFORM WITH ALL OF THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS.

WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE UNIFORMED.

I WANTED TO POINT OUT ONE OF THE BIG THINGS WE ARE WORKING ON IS MAKING SURE WE ARE RECRUITING, TRAINING AND EDUCATING AND RETAINING A TALENTED AND DIVERSE WORKFORCE. I'M GOING TO SHOW YOU WHAT WE HAVE DONE TO DO THAT. AND WE WILL IMPLEMENT TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND SERVICES IN THE COURT AND ADMINISTRATION. YOU CAN GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE PLEASE. I AM EXTRAORDINARILY PROUD OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE FOUR PROBATE COURTS OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS. WE HAVE DONE A LOT TO BRING THE COURTS INTO MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND SENSIBILITY, ACTUALLY. WE WORKED WITH OUR UNIVERSAL SERVICES TO BE ABLE TO WORK REMOTELY AND SUBSTANTIALLY DECREASING THE RISK OF CESSATION OF SERVICES AND NATURAL DISASTERS. DO YOU REMEMBER THE PIPE BURST THAT HAPPENED IN FEBRUARY OF LAST YEAR BEFORE COVID? WELL, WE WERE ALREADY WORKING FROM HOME.

OUR COURTS DID NOT STOP. WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE SERVICES EVEN DURING THAT. WE HAVE IMPLEMENTED NEW TECHNOLOGY AND ALSO IN THE MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT SO THAT MENTAL HEALTH PEOPLE AND MENTAL HEALTH PROCEEDINGS CAN

[01:05:01]

WE EXPANDED OUR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM AND PARTICIPATED IN THE HOUSTON BARS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION SUMMER PROGRAM THAT HAS BEEN WONDERFUL FOR THE COURTS AND HELPFUL FOR THE COURTS. WE REDUCED DUE PLIK TIFF APPOINTMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH APPOINTEES THAT WAS IMPORTANT TO DO. WE CAST A WIDE NET AND BROUGHT IN AS MANY PEOPLE FROM THE DIVERSE COMMUNITIES, TRAINED THEM TO BE AD LITEM IN MENTAL HEALTH COMMITMENTS AND NOW WE HAVE A DIVERSE POOL FROM WHICH TO CHOOSE AD LITEM.

I AM HAPPY ABOUT THAT. AND WE HAVE SECURED FUNDING THROUGH OUR JUDICIAL MAINTENANCE FUND FOR IMPLICIT BIAS TRAINING FOR ATTORNEYS THAT WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ALL COURT APPOINTEES STARTING IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR.

ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE A COURT APPOINTEE HAS TO GO THROUGH IMPLICIT BIAS TRAINING. IF THEY SAY THEY ARE UNABLE TO UH -- TO AFFORD IT, WE WILL PAY FOR IT AND NOT ASK QUESTIONS. THERE IS NO REASON TO NOT DO THAT. GO TO THE NEXT PAGE, PLEASE.

AND THIS IS JUST DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE AND GOALS AND PROGRESS AND THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS THAT WE TRACK, BUT I WON'T BORE YOU WITH ALL OF THIS.

THIS IS STUFF I TRY TO MAKE SURE I AM KEEPING UP WITH WHAT I AM SUPPOSED TO DO. REALLY THE BIGGEST THING WE ARE LOOKING AT IS HOW FAST CAN WE GET YOU TO A HEARING WHEN YOU FILE YOUR WILL FOR PROBATE? HOW FAST CAN WE CREATE A GUARDIANSHIP FOR YOU? HOW FAST CAN WE DO A TEMPORARY EMERGENCY ORDER? THOSE ARE THE THINGS WE REALLY LOOK AT, BUT THESE ARE THE METRICS THAT IN GENERAL HELP DETERMINE WHAT WE ARE DOING.

IF YOU COULD GO TO THE NEXT PAGE.

WE HAVE SOME CHALLENGES. I KNOW -- I KNOW WE ARE ALL FACING BUDGET CHALLENGES, BUT THIS IS GETTING TO BE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE PROBATE COURTS.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE CHART OVER THERE, THE LAST PROBATE COURT WAS RAY 80ED IN -- WAS CREATED IN 1985.

THAT WAS THE LAST TIME WE CREATED A NEW PROBATE COURT IN HARRIS COUNTY WHEN THE POPULATION WAS 2.7 MILLION.

NOW THE POPULATION IS EDGING UP TO 4.8 MILLION, AND WE STILL HAVE THE SAME FOUR PROBATE COURTS.

WE HAVE THE SAME NUMBER OF STAFF SINCE 1999.

THAT INCLUDES THE JUDGE. THE CASES PER STAFF MEMBER COMES FROM 158 TO 651 AND IT IS BECAUSE OF THE INRAYSES IN TECH -- INCREASES IN TECHNOLOGY AND EFFICIENCY AND THE STAFF IS JUST BARELY ABLE TO MANAGE THE LOAD.

AND THE OPEN CASES IN PROBATE COURT IS STARTING TO RISE EXPONENTIALLY. WE DID INCREASE OUR STAFF BY ONE PERSON. JUST LAST YEAR AND WE ARE SHARING THE SALARY WITH OUR JUDICIAL MAINTENANCE FUND THAT WE ARE HAPPY TO DO, BUT IT IS NOT AN UNLIMITED FUND.

THEY HAVE JUST DONE HOW IT WORKS AND THEN GOING FORWARD WITH NEW LEGISLATION, WE DON'T KNOW HOW IT WILL AFFECT OUR BOTTOM LINE. WE DON'T KNOW HOW THAT WILL WORK OUT. THE BIG PROBLEM WE HAVE IS NOT SO MUCH ASKING FOR PAY RAISES, BUT ASKING FOR RELIEF IN THE WAY OF STAFFING, WE HAVE STAFF MEMBERS WHO ARE CAPPED OUT ON COMP TIME. I HAVE ONE STAFF MEMBER IN PARTICULAR THAT IF SHE WERE TO TAKE ALL COMP TIME, VACATION TIME AND SICK TIME, SHE COULD GO FOR SIX MONTHS ON LEAVE AND IT WOULD BE ENTIRELY PAID. IT IS THAT BAD.

I ENCOURAGE OUR STAFF TO PLEASE TAKE VACATIONS AND TIME OFF AND START TO GO THROUGH COMP TIME.

THE PUSH BACK I AM GETTING, BUT I WOULD LOVE TO, JUDGE, BUT WHEN I COME BACK, THE WORK IS SO OVERWHELMING AND I AM BARELY ABLE TO KEEP UP AS IT IS RIGHT NOW.

SO I DON'T KNOW OUTSIDE OF THE EFFICIENCIES AND THE TECHNOLOGIES WE HAVE CREATED IN THE THE ENORMOUS AMOUNTS OF CASE LOAD, I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO TO HELP THEM.

IF YOU COULD GO TO THE NEXT PAGE, PLEASE.

AND THESE ARE SOLUTIONS THAT IF WE ARE LOOKING AT THE IMMEDIATE NEED RIGHT NOW, IT IS 1 ADDITIONAL STAFF MEMBER PER COURT AND THAT WON'T DO IT.

IT WILL OFFER SOME RELIEF AND WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO START GIVING PEOPLE TWO, THREE, FOUR DAYS OFF AT A TIME.

I WILL ENCOURAGE THEM AS MUCH AS I CAN.

WE NEED ONE ADDITIONAL STAFF MEMBER PER COURT.

AND WE NEED AN ASSOCIATE JUDGE IN THE MENTAL HEALTH COURTS.

WHEN WE TOOK OVER IN 2019, THE MENTAL HEALTH FILINGS WERE THE EYER BEFORE -- THE YEAR BEFORE.

THEY DOUBLED AND THAT'S BECAUSE WE ARE GETTING A LOT OF MENTAL HEALTH COMMITMENTS FROM OTHER COUNTIES PUT INTO

[01:10:03]

I HAVE PEOPLE IN COMMON AREAS AND WE NEED A FIFTH COURT REPORTER BETWEEN US BECAUSE I HAVE DUAL DOCKETS.

WE HAVE WELL OVER A HUNDRED HEARINGS EVERY SINGLE WEEK, BUT I ALSO HAVE TO DEAL WITH TRIALS.

I JUST GOT DONE WITH A THREE-WEEK JURY TRIAL WITH A 12-MEMBER JURY. OUR ASSOCIATE JUDGE HAD TO DEAL WITH ALL OF THE OTHER HEARINGS SO WE DIDN'T HAVE A BACKLOG, BUT THAT ALSO BACKLOGGED HER AND HER WORK.

THE CREATION OF A PROBATE COURT 5 IS REALLY THE ONLY RIGHT SOLUTION. I'M NOT A BUDGET PERSON, BUT I WONDER IF ADDING A PROBATE COURT 5 WOULD BE LESS BURDENSOME ON THE BUDGET THAN ADDING THREE STAFF MEMBERS PER PERSON. AGAIN, THAT'S NOT WHAT I'M ASKING FOR THIS YEAR. THAT'S JUST LOOKING AT LONG-TERM -- OR MID-TERM. LONG-TERM WE WILL NEED SIX PROBATE COURTS IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS BECAUSE OF THE POPULATION GROWTH. RIGHT NOW WE HAVE PROBATE COURTS IN 10 OF THE LARGEST COUNTIES.

OUR HARRIS COUNTY PROBATE COURTS ARE THE MOST DENSELY POPULATED. IN OTHER WORDS, WE HAD 1.2 MILLION PEOPLE PER COURT. WHEREAS THE OTHER COURTS ARE ABOUT 800,000 PER QUART OR 900,000 PER QUART FOR SOME OF THE LARGER ONES. WE ARE DEALING WITH MORE THAN ANY OTHER IN THE STATE. LET'S GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. THESE ARE JUST OUR REQUESTS.

PROBATE COURT 1 NEEDS ONE ADDITIONAL COORDINATOR.

THE 112 THAT WE HAVE THERE IS PROJECTED FOR THE 19 MONTHS THAT WE ARE GOING OUT AND NOT SEVEN MONTHS.

THEY TOLD US TO DO A 19-MONTH PROJECTION.

I THINK THAT'S WHAT THAT IS. NEXT PAGE PLEASE.

PROBATE COURT 2 -- ACTUALLY PROBATE COURT 2 IS ASKING FOR AN ADDITIONAL ATTORNEY. I UNDERSTAND THEY HAVE LOST A STAFF MEMBER, AND SO THEY ARE REALLY SNOWED UNDER RIGHT NOW. PROBATE COURT NUMBER 3, THE NEXT ONE, THIS IS THE ONE THEY ARE ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR COURT COSTS. THIS IS NEEDED FOR HAD EXTRA AD LITEMS WE WILL NEED FOR THE RAPID INCREASES IN CASES AND EVERY PERSON IN THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMITMENT IS ENTIRED TO AN ATTORNEY AT LAW. THEY NEED AN ASSOCIATE JUDGE THAT CAN BE DOWN AT THE MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY FIVE DAYS A WEEK. AND THEY NEED AN ADDITIONAL COORDINATOR FOR THE PRO -- FOR THE PROBATE COURT HERE.

THE NEXT PAGE PLEASE? >> I THINK THAT IS FOR THE 19-MONTH BUDGET RATHER THAN THE 7 AND 12-MONTH.

I THINK THAT CONCLUDES THE BUDGET PRESENTATION.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LETTING ME PRESENT THAT TO YOU. I AM AVAILABLE FOR QUESTIONS EITHER NOW OR AFTER THE FACT. I AM HAPPY TO HELP OUT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, JUDGE SIMONEAUX.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS, DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: NO. THANK YOU FOR YOUR

PRESENTATION. >> I CAN'T IMAGINE HOW YOU DO WHAT YOU DO, BUT I AM VERY APPRECIATIVE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL OF THE DATA YOU SENT IS VERY HELPFUL AND I AM CURIOUS AND WILL FOLLOW-UP WITH DAVE.

I KNOW MY TEAM IS IN TOUCH WITH YOUR TEAM IN TERMS OF THIS INCREASE IN OPEN CASES. WELCOME BACK, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. IT IS JUST THE NUMBER OF -- I WONDER WHAT THE IMPLICATIONS ARE OF THESE CASES.

WE KNOW WHAT THE IMPLICATIONS ARE ON THE CRIMINAL SIDE, FOR EXAMPLE, PEOPLE SITTING IN JAIL LONGER THAN THEY SHOULD BE AND TOO MUCH USE OF SUPERVISION, ET CETERA.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR YOU GUYS OF THIS BACKLOG?

>> THE MAIN CONCERN THAT I HAVE RIGHT NOW IS THAT WE ARE, RIGHT NOW, UNABLE TO MYTH THE STATUTORY REQUIRE -- TO MEET THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENT OF VISITING EVERYBODY IN A GUARDIANSHIP. WE ARE FOLLOWING ABOUT 200, 300 GUARD -- WE ARE FALLING 200, 300 SHORT BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE THE STAFF TO VISIT THEM.

WHAT I'M MOST CONCERNED ABOUT IS SOMETIMES ON THESE VISITS WE FIND OUT THAT THE GUARDIAN HAS DIED AND SOMEONE ELSE IS JUST KIND OF TAKING OVER THE CARE -- FOR EXAMPLE, A PERSON WHO HAS AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY ISSUES OR A PARENT DIED WHO IS THE GUIDER YEN AND WE DIDN'T -- GUARDIAN AND WE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT. IT THAT'S THE LEAST PROBLEMATIC. THE MOST PROBLEMATIC IS IF SOMEONE WERE FINALLY OR PHYSICALLY ABUSED AND WE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT BECAUSE SOMEONE DIDN'T REPORT IT,

[01:15:03]

WE CAN ALSO FIND OUT IF SOMEONE HAS MOVED OUT OF THE COUNTY ENTIRELY. WE CAN MOVE IT OFF OUR DOCKET AND TO ANOTHER COUNTY. THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT THESE VISITS HELP US WITH. I WISH I CAN -- THAT'S MY MAIN

CONCERN RIGHT NOW. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE DON'T WANT THIS TO END UP IN INTRACTABLE SITUATION THAT WE HAVE ON THE CRIMINAL CASES SO WE WILL DIG INTO IT.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU, JUDGE SIMONEAUX FOR YOUR PRESENTATION. I DID HAVE A QUESTION AND I REMEMBER WE TALKED ABOUT IT AT COURT AND I DON'T REMEMBER.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS WE RAISED THE ISSUE OF MANAGED ASSIGNED COUNSEL FOR ALL COURTS. JUDGE SIMONEAUX, I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS AVAILABLE TO THE PROBATE COURTS OR NOT, AND IF

IT IS, ANY PROGRESS ON THAT? >> I'M SORRY.

YOU CUT OUT THERE FOR JUST A SECOND.

CAN YOU REPEAT YOUR QUESTION AGAIN?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SURE. MY QUESTION WAS, AS YOU HAVE SEEN, WE HAVE DEVELOPED A MANAGED ASSIGNED COUNSEL SYSTEM FOR THE CRIMINAL COURTS.

THE QUESTION OF WHETHER SUCH A STRIEMENT EXISTS -- INSTRUMENT

EXISTS FOR PROBATE COURTS. >> ARE YOU TALKING LIKE A CASE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE? NO.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NOT THE SOFTWARE.

IT IS A PROCESS -- IT IS THE PROCESS OF MAKING SURE THAT THERE IS A GOOD ROTATION OF WHO IS ASSIGNED CASES.

>> ABSOLUTELY. YES, ABSOLUTELY.

WE HAVE A ROTATING WHEEL FOR WHO IS ASSIGNED.

YOU CAN LOOK ON OUR WEBSITE AND SEE EXACTLY WHERE WE ARE EVERY MONTH AND WHO IS COMING UP NEXT.

SO IT IS A ROTATING WHEEL, AND WE DO HAVE THAT SYSTEM TO DO THAT. YES.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, COMMISSIONER GAR SEE YOU --

GARCIA, IF I MIGHT? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE SIMONEAUX, THANK YOU.

I THINK THE ROTATING WHEEL YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT COMES FROM THE PROJECT MY STAFF DID -- I WON'T SAY DID T BUT THEY DID IT IN 2001 AND IT IS NOT VERY EFFECTIVE, TO BE HONEST.

AS A FORMER LEGISLATOR, THAT WAS ALL I COULD GET BECAUSE THE PREVIOUS ONE WAS VETOED. I DON'T THINK THE STATUTE OUT -- STATUTE CREATES A MECHANISM IN AND OF ITSELF FOR TO YOU GET STATE FUNDING TO CREATE -- A MAC, MANAGED ASSIGNED COUNSEL, I THINK IT CAME FROM MASSACHUSETTS OR CALIFORNIA, BUT YOU KNOW WITH THE BRITNEY SPEARS CASE AND ALL OF THE ISSUE THAT'S HAVE COME UP, EVEN BACK WHEN I WAS A LEGISLATOR, SOMETIMES IT -- THERE WOULD BE PRESS ARTICLES WHERE THE JUDGES BACK 30 YEARS AGO WOULD APPOINT LEGISLATORS ON THESE CASES. YOU ALL COULD ON YOUR OWN, I THINK CREATE A SYSTEM WHEREIN ASSISTED OF THE JUDGE FROM TIME TO TIME GETTING CRITICISM BECAUSE YOU COULD SKIP THE NEXT ONE ON THE WHEEL FOR ANY REASON.

SAY I THOUGHT THIS ONE WAS BETTER.

I KNOW BECAUSE -- I AM TAKING CREDIT FOR T BUT IT -- FOR IT, BUT IT WAS ALL MY STAFF COULD COME UP WITH IN 2 SWLR 01 -- 2001. WE THINK ALIKE, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. DO WE EVEN HAVE A DASHBOARD -- I HATE TO PUT MORE EFFORT OR PRESSURE ON DR. CORREA, BUT IF YOU LOOK, JUDGE, SOMETIMES YOU WILL SEE THERE ARE CONCERNS ABOUT -- THERE THERE WAS AN AD LITEM I WAS APPOINTED TO AS A BABY LEGISLATOR. MY OLD PARTNER, THE REAL LAWYER, MICHAEL SOLAR, COMMISSIONER GARCIA YOU REMEMBER, I LEFT THE LAW FIRM AND THEN HE RETIRED FROM PRACTICING AND IT WAS THERE. THEY COULDN'T FIND THE YOUNG PERSON. I DO THINK THAT A LOT OF THAT RESPONSIBILITY AFTER YOU APPOINT THE GUARDIAN OR THE AD LITEN, IT IS ON THEM AND NOT YOU.

SOMETIMES THERE USED TO BE CONCERNS ABOUT FAVORITISM IN HOW THAT IS DONE. I AM NOT SAYING THAT'S THE CASE NOW, BUT IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR YOU ALL AND FOR US AT HARRIS COUNTY TO HAVE MAC. I DON'T THINK WE INCLUDED YOUR

KOIRTS WHEN THAT BILL PASSED. >> NO.

I THINK THE PROBATE COURTS WERE MANDATED UNDER A

[01:20:01]

THERE WAS A DIFFERENT AMENDMENT, 25 SOMETHING.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THERE WERE ISSUES --

>> YES, SIR. YES, SIR THAT'S CORRECT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THEY WERE CALLING ME SAYING THERE WERE SOME ABUSES GOING ON IN SOUTH TEXAS.

>> I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED. THAT IS TRUE.

WE HAVE ACTUALLY DONE A REVAMPING OF OUR -- OF THE WAY WE DO THIS LAST YEAR. IT IS TO ENSURE THAT THERE WAS NOW DUPLICATION OF AD LITEM APPOINTMENTS -- OR MENTAL HEALTH COMMITMENTS IN PARTICULAR AND MAKING SURE THAT WE ARE ON A ROTATING WHEEL.

YES, WE DO HAVE TIMES WHEN WE CAN GO OFF THAT WHEEL, LIKE FOR EXAMPLE IF I NEED SOMEONE WHO IS A VIETNAMESE-SPEAKING AD LITEM, I CAN GO DOWN THE LIST TO FIND THE PERSON WHO HAS THAT SKILL. BUT WE GO RIGHT BACK UP TO THE TOP OF THE LIST AND KEEP APPOINTING UNTIL --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT I WOULD LIKE FOR TO YOU DO, AND WHEN I GET OFF CAMERA I WILL CALL AND TALK TO THEM, BUT ASK HER EVEN WHAT -- WITHOUT THE LEGISLATURE DOING SOMETHING, COULD WE PIONEER A MAC IN THAT SPACE?

I JUST DON'T KNOW. >> I WOULD LOVE IT.

I WOULD BE VERY INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH YOU ON THAT.

WE TRIED TO FIND A WAY TO DO IT BETTER, BUT WE ARE DOING IT IN AN ARCHAIC WAY. IT IS A LIST AND WE KEEP CIRCULATING THE LIST OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT CHANGED IN HER DISTRICT AND IT WAS A BIG -- THAT WAS A VERY WEALTHY ESTATE, BUT IT IS COMING BACK TO ME NOW. SHE CALLED ME AND ASKED WHY DIDN'T YOU DO THEM WHEN YOU DID THE FAIR DEFENSE ACT? I SAID WE WERE LOOKING AT CRIMINAL CASES.

SHE SAID WELL, THEY ARE CRIMINALS, BUT THEY HAVEN'T BEEN PROVEN. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I WILL KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP, BUT I WILL CALL AND TELL HER THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND JUDGE JERRY SIMONEAUX.

>> I WOULD LOVE TO WORK WITH YOU ON THAT.

WE HAVE 400 APPOINTEES ON OUR LIST.

IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL IF WE COULD CREATE ONE LIST THAT ALL FOUR PROBATE COURTS COULD PULL FROM.

RIGHT NOW WE ARE ALL PULLING FROM OUR OWN LIST.

I THINK THAT WOULD BE A WONDERFUL, TERRIFIC SOLUTION AND I WOULD BE HAPPY TO WORK WITH YOU ON IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, DID YOU HAVE A

QUESTION AS WELL? >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST A QUICK ONE. JUDGE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR

PRESENTATION. >> THANK YOU, SIR.

>> TOM RAMSEY: JUST A BOTTOM LINE, WHAT IS YOUR PERCENT INCREASE YOU ARE ASKING FOR OVER WHAT YOUR BUDGET WAS LAST

YEAR? >> I THINK THE BUDGET WAS LAST YEAR -- I DON'T HAVE THE NUMBER IN FRONT OF ME, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, BUT I THINK IT WAS 1.6 OR 1.7 MILLION. I AM ASKING FOR $100,000 MORE. IT IS TO FUND AN EMPLOYEE FOR

19 MONTHS. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU.

>> YES, SIR. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH, JUDGE, FOR THE PRESENTATION.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE HIDALGO. >> LINA HIDALGO: NEXT WE HAVE PROBATE COURT 2. IS JUDGE NEWMAN ON THE LINE? ARE YOU REPRESENTING -- PRESENTING FOR ALL JUDGES ?

>> I WAS PRESENTING FOR ALL TO GET US THROUGH QUICKLY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S THOUGHTFUL.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR PROBATE COURT JUDGES, ALL FOUR. I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND

[County Courts]

APPRECIATION. >> HAVE A GREAT DAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL HEAR FROM OUR COUNTY COURTS NOW.

THAT'S BECAUSE THE COURTS OF APPEALS DID NOT SUBMIT ANY BUDGET REQUESTS. THEY WILL NOT BE PARTICIPATING

IN OUR BUDGET PROCESS. >> ARE YOU GETTING READY FOR

ME TO START, JUDGE? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

GO AHEAD. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS. I AM ED WELLS AND WITH THE OFFICE OF COURT MANAGEMENT. WE SUPPORT THE COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTS AT LAW AND COUNTY CIVIL COURTS AT LAW.

AND WE ALSO SUPPORT AND HAVE FUNDING IN OUR BUDGET FOR THE PROBABLE CAUSE COURT OR MAGISTRATE COURT OVER AT THE JPC. AND WE PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE JUSTICE COURTS. I HAVE WITH ME ON THE CALL THIS MORNING, I BELIEVE, JUDGE TORIA FINCH AND JUDGE TONYA JONES AND JUDGE AUDREY LAWTON EVANS.

JUDGE FINCH IS THE PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE COUNTY COURTS AND JUDGE JONES IS THE LOCAL JUDGE FOR STATUTORY COUNTY COURTS AT LAW AND JUDGE LAWTON-EVANS IS THE ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE FOR COUNTY OF CIVIL COURT. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

THANK YOU. EVERY YEAR I INCLUDE IN ALL OF OUR BUDGET MESSAGING THE PURPOSES OF COURTS.

[01:25:05]

I THINK ONE THING THAT SETS OUR COURT APART IS WE ARE VERY, VERY CLEAR ON THE WHY. EACH OF THESE WE TAKE SERIOUSLY AND THE PROCESSES ARE IN SUPPORT OF THE PURPOSES OF THE COURTS. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

THE PREVIOUS ONES WE LOOKED AT WERE TRADITIONAL PURPOSES.

THESE WERE TWO NEW ONES ADDED IN THE LAST 10 OR 15 YEARS THAT RECOGNIZE AN EXPANDED ROLE OF COURTS.

IN PARTICULAR PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE POPULATION AND PROMOTING COORDINATION IN THE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO ADDRESS COMMON PROBLEMS. EXAMPLES OF THAT I BELIEVE ARE THE SPECIALTY COURTS THAT WE HAVE IN THE CRIMINAL COURTS WHERE WE HAVE VETERANS COURTS AND MENTAL HEALTH CASE LOADS OR DOCKETS. WE ALSO HAVE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE D.A.'S OFFICE SPECIALIZED CASE LOADS FOR HUMAN TRAFFIC TRAFFICKING OR PROSTITUTION.

THEY ARE SOCIAL ISSUES, BUT OFTEN SOLVED IN CONTACT WITH CRIMINAL JUSTICE. AND SO THEY BECOME VERY IMPORTANT TO OUR OPERATION OPERATIONS.

NEW MEXICO SLIDE, PLEASE. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

THIS IS THE MISSION OF OUR OFFICE OF COURTS.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE FOCUS ON IS STAYING CLEAR ON WHAT IT IS WE ARE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH. HE IS KEEPING US FOCUSED ON WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH AND WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE WHEN WE GET THERE. ALL OF THE PROJECTS AND THE REQUESTS THAT WE HAVE ARE IN SUPPORT OF THIS.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. THIS YEAR ALL OF YOU ARE FAMILIAR AND THEY ARE LOOKING AT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.

OUR BUDGET REQUEST IS ORGANIZED IN THAT MANNER.

THE PROGRAMS WE HAVE ARE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND THEY ARE LARGELY IN SUPPORT OF THE COURTS.

THIS IS WHAT IS REVIEWING AND REFINING THE PROCESSES TO SUPPORT ALL OF THE DOLLS WE HAVE AND TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT AND MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND THE BUDGET OFFICE AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE PERFORMANCE METRICS WE PROVIDE THAT HAVE BECOME PART OF OUR WEBSITE AND WE ARE LOOKING TO CONTINUE GROWING THOSE AND INDICATING WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR COURTS.

THE PUBLIC HAS A RIGHT TO KNOW.

WE WANT IT TO BE AS EASY FOR PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR COURTS. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

A BIG ONE, ODYSSEY 2019, THAT IS THE CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. IT SUPPORTS BOTH THE COUNTY AND CIVIL COURTS AND PROBATE COURTS AND IT SUPPORTS OUR JUSTICE COURTS. THOSE ARE TWO DIFFERENT INSTALLATIONS. THAT SYSTEM IS HOSTED BY THE COUNTY CLERK FOR THE JUSTICE COURTS AND THEY ARE HOSTED BY UNIVERSAL SERVICES. THOSE WERE TWO LARGE PROJECTS. BETTING TO ODYSSEY 19 WE ARE JUST NOW STARTING TO EXPLORE THE USE OF.

IT HELPS OPEN THE DOOR FOR US TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES. THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE TO OUR COURTS. NO SURPRISE THAT A LOT OF WORK HAS GONE ON REGARDING THE O'DONNELL REQUIREMENTS AND IT INVOLVES THE COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTS AT LAW.

ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THAT IMPACT AND WE ARE ABOVE JAD AND THE MONITORS TO MAKE THE BEST DISWITION AND MOVE

[01:30:05]

I WON'T GO THROUGH ALL OF THESE.

IF ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS WE WILL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. ED, DO YOU WANT TO CONTINUE? YOU SAID YOU HAD ANOTHER SLIDE YOU WANT TO GO THROUGH?

>> I HAVE A FEW MORE SLIDES AND THEN I WILL TAKE SOME QUESTIONS. ABSOLUTELY.

PERFORMANCE GOALS AND PROGRESS WE DO A LOT AND THESE ARE JUST EXAMPLES OF CASE FILINGS, CASE DISPOSITIONS AND OFTEN DISPLAYED AS A CLEARANCE RATE.

CASE DISPOSITIONS BY THE TYPE OF DISPOSITION AND DEPENDING ON THE COURT TYPE, EVERYBODY IS FAMILIAR ON THE CRIMINAL SIDE WITH A PLEA OR A DISMISSAL AND CERTAINLY A DISPOSITION BY TRIAL. ON THE CIVIL COURTSIDE THERE CAN BE TRIALS AND THERE CAN BE SETTLEMENTS AND THERE CAN BE OUT RIGHT DISMISSALS. WE LOOK AT TRIAL ACTIVITY AND THAT'S A BIG PERFORMANCE METRIC FOR US.

I HAD SOME CONVERSATION WITH THE BUDGET OFFICE ABOUT THIS NUMEROUS TIMES. ACCESS TO JURY PANELS IS A BIG CHALLENGE FOR OUR COURTS -- FOR OUR COURT AS IT IS IN ALL COURTS. WE HAVE CONDUCTED BETWEEN THE COUNTY COURTS WELL OVER 120 TRIALS IN THE LAST YEAR.

I THINK THAT IS CERTAINLY MORE THAN ANY OTHER COUNTY IN THE STATE AND PROBABLY THE LARGEST NUMBER OF TRIALS.

WE ALL KNOW WE HAVE A BACKLOG AND WE ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO GET THROUGH THAT BACKLOG. THE TWO BIGGEST CHALLENGES ARE , OF COURSE, THE ABILITY TO HOLD TRIALS AND ALSO ALL OF THE ISSUES WITH THE DELAY IN THE DELIVERY OF EVIDENCE.

WE CERTAINLY APPRECIATE THE COUNTY'S INTENTION TO SOLVING THAT. WE ARE GETTING CLOSER TO IT.

THE PRIORITY IS TO HELP GENERATE ACTIVITY AND THAT IS GOOD. WE REALLY NEED TO GET TO A PLACE WHERE USING BODY CAM VIDEO IS THE EXAMPLE.

THAT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY AFTER ARREST.

SHOOTERLY -- SHORTLY IS RELATIVE, BUT OFTEN LONGER THAN SIX MONTHS AND A CASE CAN'T MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT THAT. ACTIVE CASES PENDING, AGAIN TECHNOLOGY SERVICE MEASURES AND THE NUMBER OF WEBSITE HITS AND TICKETS HELD FOR THE REPORTS AND THE LIVE STREAMING. THE NUMBER OF VIEWER HOURS PROVIDING STREAMING THAT OUR COURT PROVIDES IN THE PANDEMIC SINCE WE HAVE SO MUCH CABLE WITH REGARD TO VIRTUAL PROCEEDINGS. NEXT SLIDE.

QUICKLY GOALS FOR THE COURTS AND AS A REMINDER OUR COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTS HERE ARE CASES IN WHICH THE SENTENCE IS LESS THAN ONE YEAR. OUR CLEARANCE RATE IS 100% SINCE JANUARY OF 21. IT WAS OVER 100%.

ACTIVE PENDING CASES DROPPED. THAT'S SHOWING PROGRESS TOWARD THE BACKLOG. WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT.

LOOKING FORWARD TO HOPEFULLY SOME TIME IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR IF NOT EARLY IN THE SECOND HAVING RELIEF WITH REGARD TO THE EVIDENCE ISSUES.

I THINK THE THINGS THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ARE LOOKING AT ARE ON GOING CONVERSATIONS WITH THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY ARE HELPING IN THAT REGARD.

IN THE COUNTY'S CIVIL COUNTS, THEY HAVE A CLEARANCE RATE, A MONTHLY AVERAGE OVER 120%. THEY WORKED DILIGENTLY AND THEY REDUCED ACTIVE CASES PENDING AND THOSE COURTS CONTINUE TO OPERATE EFFICIENTLY.

WITH REGARD TO THE TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT, OUR NEW TICKET TRACKING SYSTEM FOR OUR HELP DESK HAS INCREASED THE AVERAGE IN USAGE OF 12%. WE ARE CLOSING ABOUT 420 TICKETS A MONTH THROUGH THAT SYSTEM.

THAT'S AN INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

IT HELPS OUR COURTS STAY OPERATING AT TOP EFFICIENCY.

AND THEN THIS LAST ONE, WEBSITE TRAFFIC.

AS WE PUT MORE AND MORE INFORMATION AND SERVICES OUT ON THE WEB, YOU EXPECT AN INCREASE IN WEB TRAFFIC.

WE'VE CERTAINLY SEEN THAT. AS WE CONTINUE TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION WE WILL CONTINUE MONITORING THAT AND REPORT ON THAT. SO MUCH INFORMATION IS LOCATED ON THE WEBSITES OF THE CLERKS' OFFICES.

[01:35:05]

ONE OF THOSE SIGNIFICANT THINGS OUT THERE NOW AND AS A RESULT OF O'DONNELL IS A RESET REQUEST PORTAL THAT IS AVAILABLE ONLINE THROUGH OUR WEBSITE WHERE PARTIES OR ATTORNEYS IN CRIMINAL CASES CAN REQUEST A RESET OVER THE WEB AND GET A RESPONSE BACK TO THE COURT AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THAT CASE CAN BE RESCHEDULED AND WHEN.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. QUH S AND GETTING INTO THE BUDGET REQUEST WE HAVE, THE COUNTY COURTS HAVE ASKED FOR PAID PART-TIME INTERNS TO SUPPORT THE COURT.

OTHERS HAVE HAD THAT. IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE STUDENTS TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

I BELIEVE IT IS BASED ON THE CURRENT HOURLY RATE AND THE NUMBER OF HOURS USED IN THE DISTRICT COURTS.

THEY HAVE HAD THIS AS A SERVICE FOR SOME TIME.

AGAIN, THE COUNTY CIVIL COURTS ARE REQUESTING THIS AS THEIR HIGHEST PRIORITY. THE NEXT ITEM, EXPANDED USE OF COURT AND INTERPRETATION SERVICES.

HARRIS COUNTY IS GROWING. IT IS NOT A SHOCK TO ANYONE AND IT IS GROWING IN DIVERSITY.

WHAT THAT MEANS TO COURTS IS A GROWING NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO COME BEFORE COURT HAVE A NEED FOR INTERPRETATION SERVICES.

THE LAW IS DIFFERENT BETWEEN COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTS AND COUNTY CIVIL COURTS AS TO WHEN IT IS REQUIRED.

BUT THE REALITY IS WE PROVIDE INTERPRETATION SERVICES IN A LOT OF CASES. IN THIS REQUEST THERE IS FUNDING FOR BOTH PROBABLE CAUSE AND THE JUSTICE COURTS.

KEEP IN MIND FOR PROBABLE CAUSE, THAT IS SUPPORTING THOSE WHO ARE NEWLY ARRESTED FOR ALL COURT DIVISIONS IN HARRIS COUNTY. SO WHEN SOMEBODY HAS ANOTHER OFFENSE ABOVE MISDEMEANORS AND FELONY CASES AS WELL.

MY POINT BEING, OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR AT THE JERKS P -- THROUGH THE JPC, WE WILL HAVE A NEED FOR A HUNDRED UNIQUES LANGUAGES AND WE HAVE TO PROVIDE THE -- WE HAVE TO PROVIDE THAT TIMELY AND AT TIMES IT IS DIFFICULT TO FIND AN INTERPRETER. THE FIRST DIFFICULTY IS IDENTIFYING WHAT IS THE LANGUAGE WE NEED TO UTILIZE? WE PARTNER WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND THOSE IN JPS TO IDENTIFY THAT AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE AND THEN UNDER THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LAW LOOK FOR A LICENSED INTERPRETER.

WE HAVE SPANISH INTERPRETERS AT THE JPC24/7 FOR THE DOCKETS. BUT OTHER LANGUAGES CAN BE DIFFICULT TO LOCATE IN A TIMELY FASHION.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. WE ARE REQUESTING TWO NEW POSITIONS. THE FIRST IS A WEB DEVELOPER.

GIVEN ALL OF THE REQUESTS AND THE INFORMATION THAT WE ARE PUTTING OUT ON THE WEB, WE DO NOT HAVE A DEDICATED WEB DEVELOPER IN OUR OFFICE. HAVING ONE WOULD HELP US EXPAND OUR WEBSITE AND THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE THERE DRAMATICALLY. I THINK ALL OF YOU HAVE SEEN WHAT STARTED WITH REGARD TO THE PERFORMANCE METRICS YOU PUT ON THE WEB OR THE STAT -- STATIC REPORTS AND THEY HAVE GROWN TO INTERACTIVE REPORTS. WE ARE LOOKING TO DO MORE OF THAT, AND THIS POSITION WOULD ALLOW THAT.

ONE OF THE THINGS ABOUT DEVELOPING OUR WEBSITES IS WE WORK CLOSELY WITH THE COURTS AND ENGAGE JUDGES AND OTHER STAFF TO MAKE SURE WE ARE PROVIDING WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN A WAY THAT IS EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND CERTAINLY CAN BE CONSENTED BY THE PUBLIC.

THE OTHER IS A BUDGET MANAGEMENT POSITION.

AS THE BUDGET PROCESS HAS GROWN, THE WORKLOAD ON OUR STAFF HAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY.

LOOKING TOWARD THE ALIGNMENT THAT WE -- THE RESOURCES WE HAVE AVAILABLE BOTH FISCALLY AND OTHERWISE AND THE PRIORITY OUTCOMES OF THE COURTS AND OUR COURT, WE NEED THIS POSITION TO HELP US IDES -- IDENTIFY AND TRACK THE LINKAGES.

I THINK IF PERFORMANCE-BASED BUDGETING IS THE PATH FORWARD FOR HARRIS COUNTY, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE AS A RELATIVELY HIGH PRIORITY IN ORDER FOR US TO DO

[01:40:03]

LISTENING TO MR. BERRY'S COMMENTS EARLIER, WE ALL RECOGNIZE THAT MONEY IS LIMITED.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE SPEND THE MONEY IN THE RIGHT PLACES AND THIS POSITION WILL HELP US DO THAT TODAY AND TOMORROW.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. FUNDING FOR STAFF SALARY INCREASES. THIS IS A SPECIFIC REQUEST AND HARRIS COUNTY MANY YEARS AGO LARGELY MOVED AWAY FROM THE COST OF LIVING INCREASES. THIS IS SOMETHING WE HAVE INCLUDED IN OUR REQUEST EVERY YEAR.

WE ARE BLESSED WITH A PHENOMENAL TEAM HERE.

IT IS A TIGHT JOB MARKET AND INFLATION IS REAL.

WE HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THAT. ALONG WITH THAT, OUR STAFF, PER COUNTY POLICY, PEOPLE GET LONGEVITY INCREASES AND WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO COVER THAT ON A BUDGET.

THIS IS ASKING FOR 3% FOR MERITS, SPECIFICALLY.

IT IS NOT NECESSARILY AN ACROSS THE BOARD INCREASE OF 3% FOR ALL STAFF. IT IS BASED ON PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS AND WE DO THIS ANNUALLY.

MISDEMEANOR OF NONAPPEARANCE, IT IS A CONSENT DECREE AND WE ARE TRYING TO DIVERT INDIVIDUALS FROM THE JAIL BY MAKING A CONNECTION TO SERVICES FOR THEM SO THEY CAN BE A BETTER OPPORTUNITY OUTSIDE AND MAKE IT TO COURT.

THIS FIRST YEAR IT IS REQUIRED TO BE SPENT THROUGH ON YOU DONL, BUT -- THROUGH ON YOU DONL, BUT THE AMOUNT INCREASES. WE ARE PARTNERING WITH JAD, THE HARRIS CENTER AND THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.

THIS AMOUNT, 257, IS FISCAL YEAR 22.

BEYOND THAT WE WILL BE COMING BACK OVER THE SUMMER AND EVALUATING THE RESULTS AND THEN MAKING A REQUEST AS APPROPRIATE. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE? I BELIEVE THESE ARE THE LAST TWO.

AWAITING CASE LOAD STUDY. COMMISSIONERS IN THE BUDGET OFFICE, MANY OF YOU ARE PROBABLY FAMILIAR WITH THE WAY IT HAS BEEN DONE IN JUSTICE COURTS FOR MANY YEARS.

THIS IS ONE LOOKING AT THE CRIMINAL AND CIVIL COURTS, NOT AS MUCH STAFFING AS IT IS RESOURCES AND NUNS -- AND NUMBERS OF COURTS. WE HEARD EARLIER FROM THE PROBATE COURT HOW HARRIS COUNTY COMPARES TO OTHER COUNTIES IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.

PER CAP PAW KEY HAVE FEWER -- PER CAPITA, WE HAVE FEWER COURTS. ANSWERING THE QUESTION OF HOW MANY COURTS SHOULD WE HAVE IS SOMETHING WE ARE HOPING THAT THIS STUDY WILL ALLOW US TO DO SO THAT WE CAN MOVE FORWARD.

WRY -- WE RECOGNIZE THAT THE COUNTY IS GROWING AND WE WILL NEED MORE COURTS IN THE FUTURE.

WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE AND HOW CAN WE PLAN FOR THAT? NOT JUST TODAY AND TOMORROW, BUT 10 YEARS OUT.

WE NEED IT IF WE WILL PROVIDE GOOD JUSTICE IN HARRIS COUNTY. AND THEN THE LAST AND WE WILL TALK MORE ABOUT THIS LATER IN THE DAY PERHAPS IN THE JP OR THE JUSTICE AND PEACE COURT PRESENTATION, BUT THAT WORKLOAD STUDY THAT HAS BEEN DONE IN THE PAST, THIS IS AN ADDENDUM TO THAT TO KIND OF RECOGNIZE THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC ON OPERATIONS AND HOW IT HAS IMPACTED CASE LOADS AND HOW IT HAS CHANGED THE WAITS FOR DIFFERENT CASES BASED ON WHAT IS REQUIRED TO PROCESS DIFFERENT CASE TYPES.

IT WILL BE DONE FOR THE NATIONAL CENTER OF STATE COURTS AS IT HAS DONE IN THE PAST.

THEY HAVE DONE THAT STUDY MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE LAST MANY YEARS. AND WITH THAT I WILL TURN IT OVER TO JUDGE FINCH IF SHE HAS COMMENTS AND WE WILL TAKE ANY

QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH, MR. WELLS AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

THANK YOU, JUDGE HIDALGO. AS YOU KNOW THE COUNTY COURTS AT LAW HAVE WORKED HARD SO THERE ARE MEASURABLES AND YOU CAN KNOW YOU RECEIVED THE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK FOR LACK OF A BETTER TERM. MR. UP KEL -- MR. WELLS DID A GREAT JOB PRESENTING AND YOU KNOW AS I DO THAT THERE ARE MANY MORE THINGS WE HAVE DONE THAT ARE NOT LISTED.

THAT'S HOW EFFECTIVE THE COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTS.

KEY DID NOT MENTION COUNCIL THAT IS SPREAD THROUGH THE CRIMINAL COURTS. AND WE DIDN'T LIST THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITE AND

[01:45:01]

WE ANTICIPATE THAT SOMEWHERE AROUND MARCH, I BELIEVE MARCH 1ST OR APRIL 1 IS, SOME OF THE TECHNOLOGIES THAT THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS RECEIVED DUE TO THE FUNDING OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT, WILL FURTHER HELP US REMOVE THAT BACKLOG. MY HOPE IS THAT YOU ARE ALL PLEASED WITH THE WORK OF THE COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTS.

IT IS OUR GOAL NOT JUST TO LEAD THE STATE, BUT LEAD THE COUNTY IN OUR PRODUCTIVITY. I AM OPENING UP THE FLOOR TO ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

THANK YOU, JUDGE FINCH AND ED FOR YOUR PRESENTATION.

AND THANK YOU FOR THE CONVERSATION THAT WE HAD.

I HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF CONFIDENCE THAT YOU GUYS ARE WORKING HARD AND DOING SOME GOOD WORK.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. I DID HAVE A QUESTION IN TERMS -- SINCE ED YOU MENTIONED O'DONNELL THAT WE ARE TRACKING THE EXPENSES RATHER HOW ARE WE VALIDATING OR KORCH -- OR CONFIRMING THAT THIS IS AN O'DONNELL EXPENSE, AND THAT THIS SHOULD BE HANDLED STANDARD -- IN A STANDARD AND BUDGETARY WAY. DO Y'ALL GET WITH THE MONITORS AND VALIDATE THE REQUESTS? IS THAT AFFIRMED BY THE MONITORS BEFORE IT COMES TO US?

>> YES, SIR. AND WE PARTNER WITH JAD TO MONITOR THAT. WE ARE WORKING WITH THEM FOR ALL O'DONNELL-RELATED EXPENSES.

THAT'S HOW THAT IS MANAGED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD.

HOWEVER, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT BACK IN 2019 WHEN WE WERE DIPPING OUR TOE INTO O'DONNELL THAT WE HAD MADE A DECISION TO SET ASIDE 97 MILLION SO THAT WE WOULD HAVE A DEDICATED FUND FOR O'DONNELL AND THEN THAT WAY WE CAN TRACK THAT AND TRACK EXPENSES. YESTERDAY AS I WAS GETTING READY FOR THESE PRESENTATIONS, I WAS ASKING MY STAFF, WELL, LET'S FIND OUT HOW MUCH WE HAVE USED OUT OF THE O'DONNELL FUND. I THINK THE LATEST NEWS WAS THERE WAS NEVER A FUND ESTABLISHED.

THAT MONEY WAS NEVER SET ASIDE. THAT'S CONCERNING BECAUSE THAT WAS, I THINK, THE WISH OF THE COURT TO MAKE SURE THAT BE COULD TRACK THIS AND MAKE SURE THAT BECAUSE IT WAS A COURT SETTLEMENT -- BECAUSE WE HAD TO TELL THE COURT THAT WE ALWAYS HAD THAT MONEY AND THAT'S HOW WE WOULD NOT BE IN DEFAULT AND BE IN AGREEMENT. APPARENTLY THE PREVIOUS BUDGET ADMINISTRATION DID NOT DO THAT.

MR. BERRY, I THINK YOU ARE GETTING THIS AND IT IS THE FIRST TIME NEWS AS WELL, IS THAT ACCURATE?

>> COMMISSIONER, I'M FAMILIAR WITH THE ESTIMATES OF COST, BUT THAT THERE WAS A POTENTIAL COURT MOTION OR WILL TO EFFECTIVELY SET ASIDE, THAT'S NEWS TO ME.

I HAVE MY TEAM LOOKING INTO WHAT WAS ORDERED AND WHAT WAS REQUIRED AND MAKE SURE WE ARE IN COMPLIANCE.

I WILL SAY, I THINK THE COSTS HAVE BEEN TRACKED AND IDENTIFIED RELATED TO O'DONNELL, BUT NOT A

SEGREGATED FUND. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AS WE ARE GOING THROUGH BUDGETS AND DEALING WITH PANDEMICS AND HURRICANES WE, YOU KNOW, IT WAS -- AND BECAUSE THIS IS SOMETHING ATTACHED TO A FEDERAL COURT, A SETTLEMENT, THAT THERE WAS A REQUEST OR A COMMITMENT TO THE COURT, TO THAT COURT, THAT WE WOULD TRACK THAT MONEY, HAVE IT SET ASIDE AND THEN THAT WAY THE COURT KNEW THERE WAS A COMMITMENT FROM HARRIS COUNTY TO COMPLY WITH THE SETTLEMENT. APPARENTLY THE FUND DOES NOT

[01:50:01]

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR RAISING THAT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENTATION, MR. WELLS. I THINK IT IS 97 MILLION, AND I THINK WE HAD A VOTE IN COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

I'M ASSUMING IT WOULD COME OUT OF PIC.

NO WAY WE WOULD NOT FOLLOW THROUGH ON THE COMMITMENT MADE. I CAN'T REMEMBER THE EXACT AMOUNT. BUT I VAGUELY REMEMBER US -- IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A UNANIMOUS VOTE.

WE ADD VOTE. IF SOMETHING WAS NOT SATISFYING, SO TO SPEAK, IT WOULD BE THAT, MR. BERRY, IN THE PIC. UNLESS THAT GOES UNDER IN WHICH CASE WE HAVE A DOOMSDAY SCENARIO.

>> AND I WILL SAY WHAT I DO KNOW, IS I KNOW THERE WAS A RANGE OF COMPLIANCE COSTS ESTIMATED THAT WAS BETWEEN 60 AND 97 MILLION OVER SEVEN YEARS.

THAT'S THE GROSS COSTS AND NOT REDUCING IT FROM SAVINGS FROM THE JAIL POPULATION OR OTHERWISE.

I KNOW WHEN WE SIGNED THE CONSENT DECREE, WE HAD TO MAKE A SHOWING THAT WE HAD THE FUNDS AVAILABLE.

IT CAN BE A LEGAL ISSUE FOR COUNTIES TO COMMIT THEMSELVES IN THE FUTURE. WHAT I DON'T KNOW IS WHAT REQUIREMENT AND WHAT ORDERS THERE ARE THAT WE MIGHT HAVE TO -- IF THERE IS ONE. WE WILL GET WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, AND GET BACK TO YOU AND OTHER

COURT MEMBERS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: GOOD QUESTION, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

WE PULLED UP THE 2020 BUDGET, AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE 97 MILLION WAS IN THE PIC. WHETHER OR NOT -- I DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE THAT MUCH MONEY IN THE PIC NOW ANYWAY, BUT IT IS A REALLY GOOD POINT IN TERMS OF IF WE ARE GOING TO MANAGE TO -- IF THERE WAS A SET ASIDE AND WE OUGHT TO MANAGE TO IT AND THE FACT WE CAN'T, THAT IS TROUBLESOME.

WE NEED TO GET THAT RECORD SOLVED PRETTY QUICK.

MR. WELLS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR VISIT THE OTHER DAY AND ALONG WITH THE JUDGE. IF EVERYBODY OPERATED THEIR BUSINESS THE WAY Y'ALL DID, WE WOULD HAVE VERY SHORT BUDGET MEETINGS. I'VE GOT GREAT CONFIDENCE IN WHAT Y'ALL ARE DOING. Y'ALL ARE SETTING A STANDARD IN TERMS OF YOUR COURT'S -- COURTS OPERATING AND TURNING CASES AROUND. I JUST HOPE THAT CATCHES ON WITH SOME OF THE -- SOME OF YOUR COME PADRES ON THE -- COMPADRES ON THE DISTRICT COURTSIDE.

GOOD JOB. THE AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU ARE ASKING FOR, SMALL PART OF 5%. Y'ALL HAVE EARNED CREDIBILITY IN TERMS OF WHAT YOU DO WITH YOUR RESOURCES.

SO THANK YOU FOR THAT. THE OTHER QUESTION FROM THE STANDPOINT OF JUST THIS PAST WEEK THERE IS A FIFTH CIRCUIT RULING ON O'DONNELL. DOES THAT CAUSE ANYTHING TO BE STARTED? AND DOES THAT CAUSE ANYTHING TO BE STOPPED OR ARE WE JUST ON THE --

>> I CAN SEE THE COUNTY ATTORNEY CHIEF JOINED US AND I

WOULD LIKE HIM TO RESPOND. >> COMMISSIONER CAGLE, AS OF THIS MOMENT THE CONSENT DECREE IS IN EFFECT.

AND WE NEED TO MOVE FORWARD UH KORTD -- ACCORDINGLY WITH THAT. AND WE CAN HAVE SUBSEQUENT CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THAT AT A LATER DATE AND WE ARE HAPPY TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH YOU AS WELL.

>> TOM RAMSEY: IT IS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HERE,

[01:55:03]

JAY. >> SORRY ABOUT THAT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: OVER HERE ON ANOTHER SIDE.

>> I SAW HIM POP UP AND I IMMEDIATELY WENT TO HIM.

MY UH UH POLL -- APOLOGIES, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: Y'ALL ARE LOOKING INTO THAT AND IF IT IMPACTS THE BUDGET, THAT'S MY ONLY POINT.

WHATEVER WE DECIDE TO DO, IF THERE IS ANOTHER COURT DECISION OR A COURT ACTION MOVED TOWARD -- MOVED FORWARD, WE ARE ON BUDGET AND WE WILL NEED TO SORT THROUGH THAT.

OBVIOUSLY THE JUDGES WILL NEED TO BE -- THEY ARE DOING CERTAIN ACTIVITIES AND WE WERE TRYING TO TRACK DOWN 97 MILLION AS WE SPEAK. WE HAVE SOME WORK TO DO.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. >> LINA HIDALGO: DID YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD, JUDGE FINCH?

>> I WAS THANKING COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND VOTE OF CONFIDENCE. WE ARE COMMITTED TO DO WHAT WE NEED TO DO FOR OUR CONSTITUENTS.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, JUDGE FINCH AND JUDGE LAWTON I KNOW IS HERE AND OBVIOUSLY ED WELLS. VERY THOUGHTFUL PRESENTATION.

I DO THINK -- I MEAN, YOU GUYS ARE SO DETAILED AND IT MAKES NO ASSUMPTIONS THAT IT IS THOROUGH AND THAT IS THE LEVEL OF TRANSPARENCY THAT WE NEED WITH THIS TIGHT BUDGET.

ONE QUESTION I WANT TO FLAG AND FOR DAVE AS WELL AS THIS POINT OF INTERPRETERS. I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS HAVE SIMILAR REQUESTS, AND THERE I WOULD ASK FOR A BIT MORE DATA IF POSSIBLE.

WHAT KIND OF WAIT ARE YOU ANDING ON YOUR REQUEST FOR INTERPRETERS, OR WHAT KIND OF WHAT KIND OF UNDER PREPARED INTERPRETERS ARE YOU RECEIVING WHERE WE KNOW THE FUNDING IS ADEQUATE TO MEET THE NEED AND I KNOW HORROR STORIES RELATED TO INTERPRETERS AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE, DAVE, A LITTLE MORE DATA ON THAT DP -- IF YOU END UP MAKING A RECOMMENDATION TO SUPPORT THESE INTERPRETER REQUESTS.

AND I WANT TO REPORT THAT FOR COMMISSIONERS GARCIA AND CAGLE , THERE WAS A PRESENTATION BY MR. BERRY AT THE BEGINNING THAT I WOULD ENCOURAGE THAT PERHAPS AS WE GET THROUGH SOME OF THESE -- FOR HIM TO COVER JUST TWO SLIDES AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND I WERE ENGROSSED BY THE POINTS HE MADE WHICH ARE ON THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR OF 2022 AND IF WE PLAN TO OFFER ANY SALARY INCREASES FOR OUR EMPLOYEES TO TRY TO KEEP UP WITH INFLATION SO WE CAN'T DO THAT AND THERE IS NO MONEY FOR THAT. IF WE WANT TO DO THAT AND TO COVER THE INCREASE IN HEALTH AND PENSION COSTS WE BASICALLY HAVE NO ROOM TO UH -- TO APPROVE ANY OF THE BUDGET REQUESTS. AS FAR AS THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 AND 2023, THERE IS ROOM SO LONG AS WE APPROVE THE SAME RATE WHICH IS WHAT THE COURT DID EVERY YEAR SINCE 2007 UNTIL SOMEHOW IT WAS FASHIONAL TO GO TO NO NEW REVENUE.

IF WE DO THAT, THEN WE AGAIN CAN'T COMMIT TO ANY OF THESE INCREASES. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT EVERY MEMBER OF COURT KNOW WHAT WE ARE DEALING WITH.

THERE IS A WORLD IN WHICH WE CAN SUPPORT THESE, BUT IT REQUIRES VOTING FOR THE SAME -- AT LEAST THE SAME TAX RATE THAT THE PREVIOUS COURTS ALL CONTROL BY REPUBLICANS HAD VOTED FOR IN THE PAST. OTHERWISE WE ARE WASTING TIME AND THERE IS LITERALLY NO MONEY.

>> IF I CAN RESPOND QUICKLY TO YOUR QUESTION ABOUT

INTERPRETERS? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

>> JUST SO THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS, CURRENTLY IN THE CRIMINAL COURTS WE ARE REQUIRED WHEN SOMEONE HAS LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TO PROVIDE THE LANGUAGE INTERPRETER. GIVEN THAT SPANISH IS BY FAR THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE NEED, DAILY WE HAVE LICENSED SPANISH INTERPRETERS WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO USE.

IN THE PROBABLE CAUSE COURT IT IS 24/7 AND AVAILABLE TO THE 16 COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTS ON A DAILY BASIS.

WE SHARE IN THE 16 COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTS FOUR INTERPRETERS, ONE PER FLOOR, AND THEY FLOAT BETWEEN THE COURTS. BUT THAT DOES CAUSE A BIT OF A WAIT TIME. WE WOULD LIKE TO INCREASE THAT

[02:00:01]

THE BIGGER CHALLENGE IS REALLY THE OTHER LANGUAGES.

TOO OFTEN LICENSED INTERPRETERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. EITHER THEY DON'T EXIST IN HARRIS COUNTY OR THEY ARE ALREADY WORKING ELSEWHERE.

SO IN THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES, THERE CAN BE A DELAY AT TIMES. ALSO IN OUR COUNTY CIVIL COURTS WE CAN FIND A NEED FOR INTERPRETERS WHERE A PARTY IS INDIGENT AND HAS THAT NEED AND THE COURT HAS TO HAVE A FINDING OF INDIGENCY AND WE WILLOW INDICATE AN ARYP TER AND USE THEM -- A INTERPRETER AND USE THEM IN THAT CIRCUMSTANCE. THERE IS A LITTLE DISCRETION ON THE PART OF THE JUDGE FOR THAT, SO THE EXPANDED FUNDING WILL HELP EXPAND THAT USE IN THE CIVIL COURT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT IS HELPFUL, MR. WELLS.

AND I WOULD JUST ADD AS FAR AS A LICENSED, I HAVE HEARD FROM FOLKS IN THE -- I DON'T KNOW IF THE JUDGES HAVE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE, BUT I PERSONALLY WHEN I WAS AN INTERPRETER I GOT CALLED TO THINGS THAT I WASN'T ACTUALLY QUALIFIED FOR. I ENCOURAGE TO MR. BERRY AND HIS TEAM THAT AS A COUNTY WE VERIFY THESE LICENSES OR HAVE OUR OWN STANDARD THAT WE KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THE FOLKS THAT ARE COMING LICENSED NO THE IN INTERPRETING, BUT IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM AND INTERPRETING IN THE LAPPING WEDGE AND -- IN THE LANGUAGE AND IT IS AN INTERESTING PUDS SWREL. I MEAN, IT IS UNIQUE TO OUR REGION ESPECIALLY WITH THE LESS COMMON, BUT STILL VERY NECESSARY LANGUAGES. I'M EAGER TO SEE HOW FOLKS COME UP WITH A SOLUTION FOR THAT.

>> WITH REGARD TO THE LICENSING.

THE COURT IS REQUIRED TO USE WHEN AVAILABLE LICENSED INTERPRETERS WHO ARE CERTIFIED AND LICENSED THROUGH THE TEXAS JUDICIAL BRANCH, THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT AND OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION PROVIDING THE LICENSING.

THAT'S BEEN IN EXISTENCE NOW FOR ABOUT FIVE OR SIX YEARS.

SPANISH WE ARE ALWAYS REQUIRED TO USE A LICENSED INTERPRETER. FOR OTHER LANGUAGES WE ARE

WHEN THEY ARE AVAILABLE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, JUST ON THE GENERAL POINT THAT WHEN HIGH COLLEAGUES ARE OUT --

>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN WE GO OVER THAT, DAVE? I THINK YOU SHOULD SHOW THEM, NOT GO THROUGH IT, BUT --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DAVE, WHEN YOU SHOW IT, SHOW ANOTHER SLIDE. I KNOW THERE ARE TAX CUTS IN THE LAST THREE YEARS. SEE IF MY STAFF'S FIGURE IS RIGHT. IF WE HAD DONE WHAT THE COURT DID PREVIOUSLY, WE WOULD HAVE AN EXTRA $129 MILLION A YEAR TO SPEND AND SEE IF MY STAFF'S NUMBERS ARE RIGHT IN WHAT WE PUT IN JUSTICE AND SAFETY SINCE JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA CAME TO THE COURT.

IF IT HAS GROWN BY 100 MILLION FROM 68 TO 783.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE MAKE THOSE POINTS AND NOTES THE JUSTICE AND SAFETY CONSTITUTES 61% OF GENERAL REVENUE FUNDING. THE SHORT OF IT IS WE HAVE TO DO WHAT ANYBODY DOES. YOU HAVE X AMOUNT OF MONEY, IT IS WHAT IT IS. IF WE HAVE DONE AN ACROSS THE BOARD PAY INCREASE THEY DECIDE WHETHER TO DO WITH MERIT PAY.

WE HAVE GIVEN 3% OF THE EMPLOYEES AND THEY DECIDE HOW THEY SPEND IT. BUT HE WILL GO THROUGH THAT LATER. THANK YOU, MR. WELLS AND JUDGES. YOU DID A GREAT JOB.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU, EVERYONE. JUDGE HIDALGO, I DID HAVE ONE QUICK COMMENT. THE COUNTY COURTS, IT WILL BE CENTERED ON THE CRIMINAL COUNTY COURTS AND THAT'S FINE. HOWEVER, WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTOOD OUR REQUEST FOR OUR INTERNS.

IT IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. IT IS OUR ONLY ASK.

IT IS SO IMPORTANT BECAUSE AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE OR THE NEW ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE TWO OF MY TOP PRIORITIES ARE, ONE, INCREASING THE COURT'S VISIBILITY.

WE ARE GOING TO DO THAT THROUGH MAKING SURE OUR WEBSITE AND ALL OF THOSE THINGS ARE UP-TO-DATE AND ON POINT. BUT ALSO TO INCREASE OUR REACH INTO THE COMMUNITY. WHEN WE TALK ABOUT HAVING THIS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT AN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM THAT IS GOING TO SERVE AND CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINORITY ATTORNEYS AND UNDERREPRESENTED LAW STUDENTS. WE WILL MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT TO PROVIDE THAT OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE AS SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN TO LAW SCHOOL, AND, YOU KNOW, I WENT TO THE

[02:05:05]

BE A CONDUIT TO THE COMMUNITY AND OPEN THE COURTS FOR INCREASED INTEREST IN THE JUDICIARY.

THAT'S ALL I REALLY HAD. IT IS GREAT TO SEE ALL OF YOU. I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN AWHILE.

IT IS GREAT TO SEE YOU, OF COURSE, JUDGE FINCH.

YOU ARE DOING A PHENOMENAL JOB.

>> AS ARE YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

MR. BERRY, WOULD YOU COVER THOSE SLIDES AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS' QUESTION OR WOULD YOU RATHER DO IT LATER? I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE HAD A CHANCE TO RUN DOWN THE TWO POINTS HE RAISED. YOU ARE ON MUTE.

>> IF YOU CAN GIVE US A FEW MINUTES TO GET COMMISSIONER ELLIS' NUMBERS I WOULD BE HAPPY TO ADDRESS IT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL SEND IT TO YOU.

THE STAFF WILL SEND IT OVER TO SEE IF WE COOKED THEM RIGHT,

MR. BERRY. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT.

I KNOW FOLKS JUST RETURNED, BUT WE ARE AT TIME FOR A BREAK RIGHT NOW. I ALSO SCHEDULED SOME PRESS AT THAT TIME. SO WOULD YOU GUYS LIKE TO BREAK FOR 30 MINUTES SO WE CAN GET LUNCH OR STAFF CAN GET LUNCH? OKAY.

WE WILL GET BACK AT -- LET'S BE BACK AT 2:00.

>> JUDGE HIDALGO? >> YES.

>> THIS IS THE COURT OF APPEALS.

I KNOW WE WERE ON THE SCHEDULE AND WENT OVER.

WE ARE -- WE DO HAVE A REQUEST IN THERE AND THE SAME WE HAVE DONE FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS. IT IS 92,000 OUT OF THE GENERAL FUND AND 315 COMES FROM THE OTHER COUNTIES.

I JUST WANTED YOU TO UNDERSTAND --

>> LINA HIDALGO: I DIDN'T ADD THAT TO KEEP MY SENTENCE SHORT. DAVE, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE

TO ADHERE FOR MR. PINE? >> NO, IN GOOD SHAPE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, MR. PRINE AND THE COURTS OF

APPEALS. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 1:19 AND

>> WE -- DO WE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

>> TIFFANY, IF YOU CAN PULL UP THE PRESENTATION AND I BELIEVE GO TO PAGE 8? WAS THIS THE ONE YOU HAD IN

MIND? >> YEAH.

IT WOULD BE HAVE BEEN FOR THE OTHER FISCAL YEAR.

>> WE ASKED FOR DEPARTMENTS TO SUBMIT FOR WHAT I CALL SFY 2022, SO THAT IS THE 7-MONTH FISCAL YEAR AND THE FOLLOWING 12-MONTH FISCAL YEAR SO WE DON'T HAVE TO DO BUDGET PROCESSES. THESE CHARTS WALK US THROUGH BASED ON WHAT WE KNOW TODAY HOW MUCH MONEY THERE IS TO SPEND COMPARED TO WHAT FOLKS ARE ASKING FOR.

WE CAN START WITH SFY 2022. SO THERE IS NO TAX RATE SET.

SO TO ESTIMATE THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES WE HAVE -- WE ARE BASICALLY LOOKING AT OUR CURRENT RUN RATE OF REVENUE WHICH IS THIS YEAR AND THEN THE REVENUE.

THAT'S THE DRIVE FOR THE CHANGE IN FISCAL YEAR.

THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES THERE IS BASED ON THE CURRENT ESTIMATE THAT THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT CAN SPEND. THAT'S 1.279 MILLION.

AND WE CALCULATED A BASELINE BUDGET AS A POINT OF REFERENCE. AND THAT IS LAST YEAR WITHOUT THE BUDGET AND ANY COSTS. SO IF THERE IS A ONE-TIME INVESTMENT WE DIDN'T INCLUDE THAT.

BUT IF IT IS INTENDED TO BE FUNDED GOING FORWARD, WE ADDED THAT IN. AND THAT LEAVES AN AVAILABLE FISCAL SPACE OR NEW MONEY TO INCORPORATE WITHOUT TOUCHING

[02:10:02]

AND IF WE WERE TO DO A SALARY INCREASE THAT IS A 1% INCREASE. SO THE MATH GETS A LITTLE MORE AS WE GO ALONG. 7 MONTHS VERSUS 12 MONTHS.

>> THE WAY THE JUDGE PUTS THE NUMBERS TOGETHER WE HAVE $43 MILLION OF FISCAL SPACE AND 17 MILLION OF HEALTH AND PENSION BENEFITS. AND THAT LEAVES 26 MILLION AVAILABLE. AND THAT COULD QUICKLY GET EATEN UP WITH A SALARY INCREASE.

I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOMETHING FOR EMPLOYEES GIVEN AN INFLATIONARY ENVIRONMENT. IT IS TIGHT TO ADD FISCAL SPENDING AND WE WILL CERTAINLY LOOK AT ARE THERE WAYS, ESPECIALLY FOR THE ONE-TIME INVESTMENTS, BETTER WAYS TO USE CIP FUNDS OR REVENUE FUNDS AND WE ARE LOOKING AT THE BASELINE. IT IS NOT A GIVEN.

I THINK YOU WILL HEAR FROM DEPARTMENT HEAD THAT'S WILL DO LESS OF ONE THING AND MORE OF SOMETHING ELSE AND TO EXPAND SERVICES AND WE ARE ALSO GETTING TO THE POINT OF HAVING TO FIND PROGRAMS AND SERVICES WITH THE COUNTY, AS I THINK YOU HAVE SEEN IN THE PRESENTATIONS WHERE WE CAN LOOK AT WHAT WE ARE DOING AND SAY WE ARE WILLING TO DO LESS

OF THIS TO DO MORE OF THIS. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. MR. BERRY, THE -- I THINK YOU TOUCHED ON IT, THE 17 MILLION, IF WE WERE TO DO A HEALTH AND PENSION BENEFIT INCREASE THAT COSTS THE 17 MILLION,

CORRECT? >> THAT IS NOT ACTUALLY AN INCREASE. IT IS NOT AN INCREASE TO EMPLOYEES. THAT IS THE COUNTY PICKING UP THE COST OF THE SAME BENEFITS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOTCHA. BUT WE WOULD STILL PULL THAT

FROM THE 43 MILLION? >> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF WE WANTED TO DO A PAY INCREASE, I SEE YOU HAVE IT LAID OUT HERE AND I DON'T SEE A NUMBER ATTACHED. HISTORICALLY WE HAVE DONE A 2% INCREASE AND WHAT HAVE -- DO YOU HAVE A BALLPARK FIGURE OF WHAT IS A 2% EMPLOYEE SALARY INCREASE OF COST ACROSS THE

COUNTY WOULD BE? >> IT IS ABOUT 13 MILLION A YEAR SO 26 MILLION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR IF WE PRO RATE IT,

BUT A SHORT YEAR 15 MILLION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF WE SIMPLY TAKE CARE OF OUR STAFF, THERE GOES THE SURPLUS, THE

43 MILLION? >> PRETTY CLOSE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST CURIOUS, MR. BERRY, AND MAYBE I'M WRONG, I SAID EARLIER 3%. WHAT HAVE WE DONE IN THE PAST? I THOUGHT IT WAS 3% ACROSS THE BOARD AND THE DEPARTMENTS DECIDE IF IT IS MERIT PAY GIVEN THE 3% TO ALL EMPLOYEES.

AM I WRONG? I KNOW SINCE I HAVE BEEN HERE IT HAS BEEN 3% AT LEAST ONE TIME, BUT WHAT HAS IT BEEN IN

THE LAST THREE, FOUR YEARS? >> LAST YEAR WE DID A STRAIGHT COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT OF 1.3%.

INFLATION WAS 1.3% AT THAT TIME.

AS WE KNOW NOW IT IS MUCH HIGHER.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: OH, WE INDEXED IT TO INFLATION.

3% NOW, THAT'S LESS THAN THE RATE OF INFLATION.

>> THAT'S CORRECT. IN THE PAST -- I CAN'T SPEAK EXHAUSTIVELY WHEN I WASN'T HERE, BUT PAST BUDGETS I LOOKED AT IT TENDED TO BE IN THE 3 OR 4% RANGE.

DEPARTMENTS, FOR BETTER OR WORSE, HAD A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF DISCRETION IN HOW THAT MONEY WAS ALLOCATED TO THE

SPECIFICS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT I WAS THINKING WAS, THE REASON I NEGLECTED TO THINK ABOUT INFLATION WAS DOWN LAST YEAR, BUT IN THE PAST I THINK WE HAVE AT LEAST KEPT PACE ARE THE RATE OF INFLATION OR GONE A LITTLE ABOVE IT. IF WE DID 2% I WANT TO MAKE THE POINT THAT THAT'S LESS THAN THE RATE OF INFLATION SO WE ARE NOT LEAVING PEOPLE WHERE THEY WERE.

IN MY MIND THEN THAT IS A CUT COMPARED TO WHAT WE HAVE DONE

[02:15:01]

IN THE PAST. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT IS INFLATION THIS YEAR AGAIN, DAVE?

>> IT'S -- HOW WE MEASURE IT IS A TOPIC LIKE IT NEVER HAS BEFORE, BUT I THINK 5% IS A DECENT NUMBER FOR YEAR OVER

YEAR INFLATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD,

COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: MR. BERRY, ARE YOU GOING TO GO THROUGH MY NUMBERS LATER IF I HAD THEM WRONG? I WANT YOU TO AT SOME POINT CALCULATE IF WE DECIDE TO DO A CUT -- WE HAVE HAD TO CUT TAXES THREE YEARS IN A ROW AND KNOWING THE WAY THE BILL WORKS, EVERY TIME YOU CUT IT IS HARDER TO DO YOUR WORK.

WE WERE CALCULATING THE NUMBER BASED ON IF WE HADN'T MADE A CUT. I AM NOT ADVOCATING ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, BUT MAKE IT A POINT TO SUGGEST NEW PROGRAMS AND INCREASE IT IS WHEN WE DECIDE HOW MUCH MONEY.

>> WELL, NUMBER ONE, THAT'S WHERE WE WANT TO GO IN TERMS OF CHANGING A FISCAL YEAR SO WE CAN LOOK AT NEW PROGRAMS AND REVENUE. THE SIMPLE MATH I DID WAS I LOOKED BACK AT THE RATES THAT THE COUNTY HAD I GUESS IN 2019 OR 2018 AND IT WAS THE SAME FOR A DECADE.

COMPARE THAT TO TODAY'S RATE. THE TOTAL REDUCTION REVENUE -- THIS IS ACROSS HOSPITAL, FLOOD CONTROL AND THE COUNTY AND IT WAS ABOUT 200 MILLION. FROM ONE PERSPECTIVE IT IS $200 MILLION. THAT'S REDUCED TAXES AND THEN

200 MILLION LESS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S 200

OVER THAT TIME? >> NO, PER YEAR.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MY STAFF DID HAVE IT WRONG.

THEY CALCULATED IT AT 129 MILLION EACH YEAR.

IT IS 200 MILLION. >> 200 MILLION IS THE CUMULATIVE IMPACT OF THE TAX REDUCTIONS.

THAT'S THE MATH I DID. THEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT IT IN A MORE COMPLICATED WAY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: TO THEIR CREDIT, I DIDN'T THINK ABOUT IT UNTIL 7:00 LAST NIGHT WHEN I ASKED THE QUESTION.

THEY WERE RUNNING NUMBERS PRETTY LATE LAST NIGHT.

>> IF IT MAKES SENSE I WILL TURN TO THE NEXT PAGE AND LOOK AT THE LONG FISCAL YEAR. OBVIOUSLY, AND THIS IS A CHALLENGE FOR EVERY BUDGET, BUT THIS YEAR WE ARE LOOKING AT A BEST GUESS OF PROPERTY VALUES.

OBVIOUSLY WE DON'T KNOW, BUT WHAT WE HAVE ASSUMED HERE IS THAT THE TAX BURDEN ON EXISTING PROPERTY WOULD STAY THE SAME. EXISTING PROPERTY WOULD PAY THE SAME TAXES, BUT THE COUNTY WOULD COLLECT REVENUE ON NEW CONSTRUCTION. IT IS WHAT A NEW NEW REVENUE IS SUPPOSED TO BE. NO NEW REVENUE IS SUPPOSED TO BE. WE CAN BE PESSIMISTIC AS IF WE ARE CUTTING IT TO THE BOTTOM BECAUSE IT IS DIFFICULT TO MOVE FORWARD IF THAT'S THE CASE, BUT WE DON'T WANT TO ASSUME AN INCREASE IN THE TAX BREAK BECAUSE WE WANT WANT TO PLAN ON SOMETHING WE DIDN'T KNOW THERE IS SAW PORLT FOR.

SUPPORT FOR. THAT GIVES US A GENERAL FUND REVENUE OF 239 MILLION. THAT'S OUR BEST ASSAULT -- ASSUMPTION. BASE LANE BUDGET WAS .26 AND THAT LEAVES FOR NEW SPENDING OF 105 MILLION.

AND SINCE A FEW MEMBERS OF COURT WEREN'T HERE, I WILL JUST REITERATE THAT WHAT WE ARE ASKING COURT TO APPROVE IS A ADOPTED BUDGET FOR THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR.

THAT'S A HARD BUDGET. AND IT IS A PLANNING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023. WHAT WE DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO DO IS CUT THROUGH A WHOLE BUDGET PROCESS.

WE ALSO NEED TO MAKE SURE THE SPENDING AND THE TAX RATE LINES UP. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2023 COMMISSIONERS' COURT WOULD TAKE THAT BUDGET AND PUT IT IN AN ADOPTED BUDGET AND A RATE THAT MATCHES IT.

THEN WE ARE IN THE PLACE OF GOVERNMENT WHERE WE ARE MATCHING SPENDING AND REVENUE.

THE TAKE AWAY BEING WE HAVE CONSIDERABLY MORE ROOM FOR THE FISCAL 2023 BUDGET WITH WHAT WE HAVE DONE BRINGING NEW REVENUE IN THAN WE DO THE SHORT YARY.

ALL OF THAT IS DE -- ALL THAT HAVE IS WHERE THE COURT SETS

THE TAX RATE. >> LINA HIDALGO: I DID SOME MATH, DAVE. IF WE START WITH

[02:20:05]

105MILLION. THEN WHEN YOU TAKE OUT THE PENSION AND YOU TAKE OUT COST OF LIVING, SAY 3%, YOU END UP WITH 15 OR 25 OR EVEN DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU ESTIMATE A MILLION DOLLARS FOR BUDGET REQUESTS.

WE HAVE 239 MILLION OF REQUESTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 23 AND 119 MILLION OF REQUESTS FOR THE SHORTER FISCAL YEAR.

THAT'S 358 MILLION IN REQUESTS. IF WE GO WITH NO NEW REVENUE AGAIN, WE WILL -- I MEAN, THERE IS NO FUNDING FOR THESE REQUESTS. THAT'S WHAT I WANT FOLKS TO SEE. COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: TWO THINGS. ONE IS THAT WE ARE FUNDING A LOT OF OPERATIONS WITH ARPA DOLLARS, BUT WE HAVE TO REMIND FOLKS THAT THERE'S NO REPLACING RIFF -- REVENUE ONCE WE EXHAUST THEM. WE ARE DOING AN OVER TIME PROGRAM ONCE ARPA IS EXHAUSTED.

AND WE CANNOT FUND PERMANENT POSITIONS OUT OF THOSE DOLLARS, CORRECT, DAVE? WE WILL HAVE TO DIP BACK TO THIS BUDGET SCENARIO OF THE I JUST WANT FOLKS TO RECOGNIZE THAT WE DO HAVE SOME RESOURCES AVAILABLE, BUT THEY ARE NOT PERMANENT RESOURCES. SECONDLY, TO CRITICISM ON BUREAUCRACY, YOU WILL GIVE A PRESENTATION ON YOUR BUDGET A LITTLE LATER, DAVE, AND WHAT IS THE COST OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE? JUST GENERALLY SPEAKING.

>> I THINK OUR FULL YEAR BUDGET IS ABOUT $5 MILLION.

SOME OF THAT WAS TRANSFERRED TO EXISTING POSITIONS.

UNBALANCED MAYBE 3 TO 4 MILLION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: EVEN IF SOMEONE WANTED TO WAIVE THEIR WAND AT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION, THAT ONLY NETS

ABOUT $4.5 MILLION. >> IT WOULD BE A LITTLE LESS,

BUT THAT'S RIGHT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IF YOU DON'T MIND ME JUST GOING ON WITH YOUR POINT OF ARPA, THERE ARE ONE-TIME INVESTMENTS AND IT CAN BE ARPA AND IT CAN BE CIP AND WE WANT TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT TOUCHING OUR RESERVES, BUT IF THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT PAY FOR ITSELF WE HAVE SOME ABILITY THERE.

THE SCARCEST COMMODITY IS GENERAL FUND RAIL -- VALUES.

ONE OF THE THINGS IS ARE THERE NON-GENERAL FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ONE-TIME REQUESTS. OVERALL THE COUNTY NEEDS TO SAY THEY HAVE MONEY FOR RECURRING COSTS.

WHETHER IT IS TECHNOLOGY OR WAYS TO BE EFFICIENT.

I DON'T WANT TO GO CHEAP ON THOSE INVESTMENTS BECAUSE OF

OUR GENERAL FUNDS. >> THANK YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: OF COURSE, JUDGE, WE CAN SPEND ARPA MONEY TO CLEAR UP BACKLOGS AND OTHER ISSUES, BUT WHAT WE TELL THOSE PEOPLE OR NOT WHEN THE MONEY IS GONE IS WE HAVE TO COME UP WITH ADDITIONAL REVENUE OR WE HAVE TO REDUCE SOME STAFF.

WHETHER IT IS PICKING UP TRASH OR WHATEVER IT IS, OR DOING AN ALTERNATIVE DEFENDER OFFICE, FOR EXAMPLE, ONCE YOU SET IT UP IF WE DON'T HAVE MONEY TO CONTINUE WITH IT, IT GOES AWAY, OR WE HAVE TO CUT SOMETHING ELSE.

>> AND FOR THAT REASON -- APOLOGIZE FOR REPEATING IT, BUT A GOOD GENERAL PRINCIPAL IS WE SHOULD USE RECURRING MONEY FOR RECURRING EXPENSES AND THAT'S THIS CHART AND ONE-TIME MONEY FOR ONE-TIME EXPENSES.

I WANT TO DEPOSIT THE STICK AS CLOSELY TO THAT RULE AS WE CAN.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR COVERING THIS.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE, DID YOU HAVE A QUESTION? THANK YOU FOR COVERING THIS. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYBODY SAW THE RE -- THE REPERCUSSIONS OF THIS AND

[02:25:04]

COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I DID HAVE ONE CLARIFICATION FROM MR. BERRY.

THE FIRST YEAR WE WENT TO THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE, MY UNDERSTANDING IS YOUR ANALYSIS WAS THAT WAS ROUGHLY -- OR MAYBE IT WAS COMMISSIONER ELLIS' ANALYSIS THAT IT WAS $100 MILLION. AND THEN THE SECOND YEAR, THE BASELINE WAS CHANGED AND IT WAS 200 MILLION.

THAT WAS IN THE SECOND YEAR. THE BASELINE WAS CHANGED AGAIN AND THEREFORE IN THE THIRD YEAR THERE WAS 300 MILLION AND IT WAS NOT GIVEN TO THE TAX SPENDING SIDE OF THE EQUATION. AND THAT'S WHERE THAT -- I THINK YOU AVERAGED THAT OUT TO 200 MILLION A YEAR.

THAT IS $600 MILLION YOU ARE SAYING THAT WAS NOT TAKEN FROM THE TAXPAYERS AND GIVEN TO THE TAX SPENDERS.

AM I UNDERSTANDING YOUR ANALYSIS CORRECTLY?

>> ACTUALLY ALL I DID WAS LOOK AT HOW MUCH REVENUE ARE WE BRINGING IN -- TAX REVENUE ARE WE BRINGING IN TODAY WITH THE CURRENT RATE VERSUS THE RATE THAT HAD BEEN FOR ABOUT 10 YEARS. THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF THOSE THREE YEARS OF TAX CUTS, THAT WAS $200 MILLION ANNUALLY.

I DON'T HAVE OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD WHAT IT WAS OVER TIME, BUT IT IS $200 MILLION PER YEAR AND CUMULATIVE BENEFIT OR COST DEPENDING ON WHICH PER SPEC TITI IT IS. --

PERSPECTIVE. >> SO THREE TIMES 200 MAKES 600 EXCEPT FOR IN THE FIRST YEAR THE BASELINE WOULD HAVE BEEN CHANGED MORE BECAUSE I THINK THE PROPOSITION WAS AN 8 % INCREASE. SO IT WOULD BE IN EXCESS OF

600,000. >> I WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT WHAT IT WAS YEAR BY YEAR. IT IS 200 MILLION PER YEAR CUMULATIVE IMPACT GOING FORWARD.

YOU LOOK AT THE NEXT FEW YEARS IT WOULD BE THE SAME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS. YOU ARE ON MUTE, COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: I THINK IT IS HELPFUL TO LOOK AT THE PAST NUMBERS.

I KNOW AS I LOOK AT REVENUES SINCE 2012 JUST THE TAX, REVENUE INCREASED 60% SO THAT IS A NUMBER.

IT IS ONE WE CAN REFERENCE. THERE IS A STORY BEHIND EVERY TAX RATE CUT OR IT WASN'T A MATTER OF EVERYBODY WALKING IN THE ROOM AND SAYING, YOU KNOW WHAT? I THINK THREE YEARS AGO WE ARE GOING TO LEAVE THE TAX RATE THE SAME. NO, THAT WASN'T THE PROPOSITION. AS COMMISSIONER CAGLE CORRECTLY SAID, THREE YEARS AGO, WHAT WAS PROPOSED WAS 8%.

COMMISSIONER RADACK AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE DIDN'T SHOW UP AND YOU WENT TO NO NEW REVENUE.

IT WASN'T -- THAT WASN'T BECAUSE PEOPLE DECIDED TO CUT THE TAX. IT WAS A REACTION TO MAYBE AN INAPPROPRIATE RATE BEING SET. WE CAN REVISIT HISTORY AND WHY IT ENDS UP BEING THAT WAY. BUT I WILL BE LOOKING AT THE REVENUE SIDE AND WHAT WE GENERATE.

I KNOW IN THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT WE HAD -- WE GENERATED 191 MILLION MORE DOLLARS THIS YEAR.

OBJECT JUS LEA WE HAVE BEEN -- OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE BEEN BUSY RESPOND TOGETHER PANDEMIC AND THOSE ISSUES.

WE WILL BE LOOKING AT ALL OF THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND THEN WE ARE LOOKING AT SPENDING.

WE HAVE BEGUN MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY NEW PROGRAMS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AND WE ARE LOOKING AT THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE NEW PROGRAMS AND THE BENEFITS.

I WON'T DO THE OLD COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS AT THE COURTHOUSE, BUT WE WILL NEED TO LOOK AT WHAT THE GOING FORWARD BENEFITS OF SOME OF THE NEW PROGRAMS THAT HAVE STARTED. I AGREE WITH EVERYBODY HERE THAT WE HAVE A REVENUE ISSUE, BUT WE HAVE A SPENDING ISSUE.

>> JUST LAST POINT, MR. BERRY.

IF YOU WOULD, SEND SOMETHING TO THE DEPARTMENT HEADS.

THERE COULD BE A LOT GOING ON.

IT IS SO THEY ALL HAVE SOME -- IT IS SOMETHING SIMPLE.

THEY GET IT AND THEY KNOW WHAT WE HAVE.

I AM INTERESTED IN RAY LITIGATING OR GOING DOWN

[02:30:02]

I WANT THEM TO KNOW ALL OF THESE GREAT FOLKS TOOK TIME TO PUT IN THE BUDGET REQUESTS SO THEY HAVE SOME SENSE OF THE REALITY OF WHERE WE ARE. THAT IS POSTURING AND DISCUSSIONS AND A HOST OF THINGS.

AT THE END OF THE DAY BASICALLY IT SHOWS ESSENTIAL LEA NO MONEY. ESSENTIALLY NO MONEY.

IF WE COME CLOSE TO LEAVING THE EMPLOYEES WHERE THEY ARE, KNOWING WE CAN'T KEEP UP WITH INFLATION THIS GO AROUND.

IF IT IS 3%, THE COST OF LIVING INCREASE AND THERE IS NO MONEY OTHER THAN WHAT WE CAN GO CUT.

AND THEY MAY PUT SOME OF THAT ENERGY WITH ARPA.

IT IS ONE-TIME EXPENNED TORRS THAT -- EXPENDITURES THAT MAY

CHANGE PERMANENTLY. >> COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: A QUICK FOLLOW-UP WITH MR. BERRY.

IS IT FAIR TO SAY THE LONG BUDGET WE ARE TARGETING IS A 2.1 BILLION BUDGET OR 2.13 BILLION-DOLLAR BUDGET?

>> IN TERMS OF THE SPENDING? WE WILT -- WE WILL ALSO HAVE SOME RESERVES. IN TERMS OF THE SPENDING,

THAT'S RIGHT. >> AND DO YOU HAVE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS -- I DID EARLIER, BUT IT IS RIGHT NOW, DO YOU HAVE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS THE 2018?

>> NO. >> IT WOULD BE FAIR TO SAY IT IS LESS THAN THE 2.1 BILLION. SO ANYTHING TO ADD TO TO THIS TOPIC, DAVE, OR TO THE COURT BEFORE WE CONTINUE WITH THE BUDGET HEARINGS? I AM LOOKING, COMMISSIONER CAGLE AT THE CHARTS. THERE IS SOMETHING IN THE PRESENTATION THE PAGE -- THE VOLUME ONE WHICH IS THE POINT YOU ARE TRYING TO MOTORCYCLE -- TRYING TO MAKE.

>> THAT IS THE GENERAL FUND. >> OF COURSE THE POPULATION IS INCREASING TOO. SO WE HAVE THE SAME RESOURCES AND A LOT MORE -- BEGINNING TO HAVE FEWER RESOURCES AND A LOT MORE PEOPLE. I MEAN, THE POPULATION IS NOT MAKING THIS TRAJECTORY. IT IS GO GO GO -- GOING THAT WAY. THIS IS 2018 RIGHT THERE.

COULD YOU HEAR ME? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I CAN HEAR YOU. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THE POINT I'M MAKING AS WE DISCUSS THESE REQUESTS, LET'S NOT FORGET THAT IF THE REVENUE IS GOING TO BE NO NEW REVENUE, I JUST DON'T WANT TO WASTE PEOPLE'S TIME. THAT'S ALL.

WE SPOKE TO THE COUNTY COURTS AND NEXT ARE THE DISTRICT

[District Courts]

GO AHEAD. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

I AM THE ASSISTANT COURT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE DISTRICT COURTS. I HAVE WITH ME JUDGE NATASHA PAYNY, THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR LETTING US APPEAR TODAY.

I WANT TO -- SORRY. I HAVE FEEDBACK.

>> YOU WANT TO THANK MR. BOWMAN WHO WAS OUR PREVIOUS COURT ADMINISTRATOR FOR MANY YEARS FOR PUTTING THIS PRESENTATION SLIDE TOGETHER AND GETTING THIS PRESENTATION DELIVERED AS HE RETIRED AT THE END OF LAST YEAR.

LET'S GO AHEAD AND GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE.

THE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURTS ACCOMPLISHES OUR MISSION TO SERVE THE JUDICIARY THROUGH THE FOLLOWING SERVICES AND PROGRAMS. THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE PROVIDES GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FOR THE JUDICIAL BRANCH WHICH INCLUDES THE DISTRICT COURTS. WE HAVE TWO STAFF ATTORNEYS FOR OUR GENERAL COUNCIL TO THE JUDICIARY.

WE PROVIDE CASE MANAGEMENT SUPPORT BY ASSISTING WITH

[02:35:04]

WE SUPPORT THE DISTRICT COURTS ELECTED IN HEIFER REIS COUNTY -- IN HARRIS COUNTY WITH THE OTHER JUDGES TO PRESIDE OVER THE SPECIALTY PROGRAMS. WE OVER SATISFY -- WE OVERSEE THE PERSONNEL TO TAKE THE RECORD IN THE CASE THAT'S ARE BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURTS. THE SPECIALTY DOCKETS FOCUS ON THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIVISION THAT INCLUDES COMPETENCY RESTORATION AND DRUG COURTS AND THE VETERAN'S COURT.

THE CASE LOAD IMPACT DOCKETS INCLUDE THE EMERGENCY RE -- RESPONSE DOCKETS AND THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRIAL DOCKETS SPECIFICALLY CREATED TO REDUCE THE BACKLOG IN THE FELONY COURTS. OUR TECHNICAL SUPPORT INCLUDES SERVERS AND DESKTOPS AND PRESENTATION EQUIPMENT AND A SIGNIFICANT FOCUS ON ZOOM IN THE RECENT YEARS OF THE -- RANT YEARS. CAN -- RECENT YEARS.

CAN KEY GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE -- CAN WE GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE? OUR KEY PRIORITIES ARE INTEGRITY AND ETHICS SERVING THE PUBLIC THROUGH ACCESS TO JUSTICE INCLUDING QUALITY INDIGENT DEFENSE AND PROVIDING SUPPORT AND CONTINUAL EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR JUDGES AND STAFF.

OUR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY IS WE WORK WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY BUDGET OFFICE ON COST, CONTAINMENT AND DEFICIENCIES.

THE COURT SECURITY, WE WORK CLOSELY WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE TO ENSURE COURTHOUSE SAFETY AND PLAN WGHT SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO ENSURE ADEQUATE BAILIFF STAFF FOR COURTROOM SECURITY ALONG WITH CONSTABLE OF PRECINCT 1 TO ENSURE THE PROPER COURT CAMPUS IS SECURE. WORKING WITH THE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC A SAFE AND CONVENIENT COURTHOUSE EXPERIENCE AND HELPING TO PROTECT THE COUNTY'S FACILITY INVESTMENTS AND PARTICIPATING AND PLANNING THE FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS THAT REFLECT THE EVOLUTION OF THE BEST JUDICIAL PRACTICES. THE JUSTICE SYSTEM EFFICIENCIES AND THE IMPROVEMENTS AND CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE AND THE SYSTEM-WEIGHED DATA AND CAPABILITIES FOR JUSTICE ANALYSIS AND WORKING WITH COMMUNITY SUPERVISION AND CORRECTIONS AND JUVENILE PROBATION AND FAMILY PROTECTIVE SERVICES TO INSTILL EVIDENCE-BASED REHABILITATION PRACTICES SYSTEM WIDE.

WHO WORK WITH COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND THE BUDGET OFFICE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT SATISFY RESOURCES. OUR STAFF DEVELOPMENT, ATTRACTING AND RETAINING QUALITY COURT ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF, WORKING WITH NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED EXPERTS IN COURT MANAGEMENT TO DEVELOP IMPROVEMENT PLANS AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS INCLUDE MAIN -- MAINTAINING OPEN COURTS THROUGH COVID-19 THROUGH EXPANDED COURT TECHNOLOGIES. WE RESUMED IN COURT HEARINGS AND JURY TRIALSS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH. WE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED THE COURT BACKLOG THROUGH THE USE OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE DOCKETS. THE GUIDELINES WERE CREATED FOR A CRIMINAL COURT ASSOCIATE JUDGE'S PROGRAM AND APPOINTEES WERE RECRUITED. THE FELONY COURTS OPERATIONS WERE RAY LOCATED INTO THE NEWLY-RENOVATED SPACE IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE CENTER, AND WE RECRUITED AND HIRED A NEW DISTRICT COURT ADMINISTRATOR. THE CHALLENGES WE FACE INCLUDE THE CLOSURE OF THE CURRENT JURY ASSEMBLY FACILITY AT NRG ARENA DUE TO RODEO ACTIVITIES PUTTING AGO -- ACCESS TO JURORS IN COURT TRIAL AT RISK.

THE ADDITION OF ASSOCIATE JUDGES AND THE SUPPORT STAFF HAS CREATED A NEED FOR ADDITIONAL OFFICES AND OPERATION SPACES. AN ACUTE SHORTAGE OF TRAINED COURTROOM BAILIFFS HAS A SECURITY RISK TO THE JUDGES, THE STAFF AND THE PUBLIC AND RESPONDING TO AN INCREASED NUMBER AND COMPLEXITY OF INFORMATION REQUESTS WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL, TECHNICAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. OUR KEY DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE

[02:40:03]

THE NUMBER OF CASES PENDING BEYOND STIME -- TIME STANDARDS FELL DUE TO THE BACKLOG REDUCTION THE NUMBER OF TRIALS AND HEARINGS HAVE INCREASED. THE NUMBER OF JURY TRIALS AVAILABLE TO COURTS INCREASED DUE TO COORDINATED EFFORTS SUPPORTING NRG ARENA JURY OPERATIONS.

OUR PROGRESS EXAMPLES ARE WORKING WITH PUBLIC HEALTH TO REVIEW BEST PRACTICES IN THE COURTROOM AND REMAINING FLEXIBLE TO KEEP THE COURTS MOVING.

THE EXPANSION OF THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE DOCKETS TO INCLUDE MATTERS FOR DEFENDANTS ON BONDS AND THE EXPANSION OF SUPPORT STAFF TO BETTER COORDINATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE DOCKETS AND THE DEPARTMENT. A DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL RULES AND PROTOCOLS FOR IMPLEMENTING AN ASSOCIATE JUDGE PROGRAM IN THE DISTRICT COURTS CRIMINAL DIVISION.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. THE PROPOSED BUDGET REQUEST CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS AND POSITIONS TOTALING OVER $2 MILLION. THIS INCLUDES NEW POSITIONS TO EXPAND THE LANGUAGE ACCESS FOR LIT GAUNTS -- LITIGANTS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY. IT IS THE CREATION OF A COMMUNICATION MANAGER AT THE COST OF $169,000 FOR SALARY AND BENEFITS. ALONG WITH A SUPPORTING APPLICATION DEVELOPER POSITION AT $141,000 FOR SALARY AND BENEFITS. AND THE EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING CONTRACT LAW CLERK PROGRAM FOR -- FROM 34 COURTS TO 61 COURTS TO ENCOMPASS ALL OF THE CIVIL, CRIMINAL, FAMILY AND JUVENILE COURTS. I WILL EXPLAIN EACH OF THESE REQUESTS IN FURTHER DETAIL. IF WE CAN GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. THE FIRST REQUEST IS THE EXPANDED LANGUAGE ACCESS FOR LIT -- FOR LITIGANTS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY. THIS PROGRAM WILL HAVE TWO FULL TAME POSITIONS AND 13 CONTRACT POSITIONS TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAM. THE TWO FULL TIME POSITIONS WILL BE THE LAPPING WEDGE ACCESS DIRECTOR AND THE COORDINATOR, THE LANGUAGE ACCESS DISTRICTER OVERSEEING THE DEVELOPMENT AND ACT AS A LIAISON BETWEEN THE LANGUAGE ACCESS OFFICER, COURT OFFICES AND THE CONTRACT INTERPRETERS, OVERSEE OPERATIONS AND INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AND ASSIST WITH THE TRACKING OF INTERPRETERS' NEEDS.

THE LANGUAGE ACCESS COORDINATOR WILL SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING WORK -- WILL SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE LANGUAGE ACCESS DIRECTED AND ASSIST WITH SCHEDULING AND STANDARDIZED DATA GATHERING METHODS AND DISTRIBUTE MATERIALS TO THE COURTROOMS AND TRACK USAGE AND MAKE UPDATES OF THE MATERIALS. IN SHORT THE DIRECTOR WILL OVERSEE THE OVERALL PROGRAM AND THE LANGUAGE ACCESS COORDINATOR WILL SUPPORT THE DIRECTOR.

THE PROGRAM WILL ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO FULFILL THE STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITY WITH RESPECT TO PROVIDING THE LANGUAGE ACCESS SERVICES. THE ADDITION OF A LANGUAGE ACCESS DIRECTOR AND LANGUAGE ACCESS COORDINATOR WILL PROVIDE DIRECT CONTACT FOR PRACTICE SESSIONERS -- FOR PRACTITIONERS AND PUBLIC ASSISTANCE WITH LIMITED EVENING LISH PROFICIENCY -- LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY SERVICES. IT WILL BE BASED ON THE COURT'S LANGUAGE ACCESS PLAN TO BE CARRIED OUT OVER A PERIOD OF 3 YEARS. THIS IS SUPPORTED BY TITLE SIX OF THE 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT AND THE DOJ'S 2010 GUIDANCE FOR UH QUARING ENTITIES -- FOR UH QUIRING ENTITIES TO ACQUIRE INTERPRETIVE SERVICES FREE OF CHARGE FOR LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY INDIVIDUALS IN ALL COURT PROCEEDINGS REGARDLESS OF THE SUBJECT MATTER. GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE PLEASE.

THE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER FUNCTION WHO WOULD PRIMARILY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING THE PROGRAMS FOR THE HARRIS

[02:45:08]

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. THIS IS TO CREATE AN APPLICATION FOR THE DEVELOPER POSITION TO SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT. THIS POSITION WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNING AND PUBLISHING WEB-PAGE REPORTS AND QUERIES. DESIGNING NEW REPORTS IN SUPPORT OF THE REQUESTS AND DEVELOPING CUSTOMER COURT SOLUTIONS FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURTS DIRECTLY SUPPORTING THE JUDICIARY.

THIS WILL INCREASE ACCESS TO JUSTICE BY IMPROVING THE DELIVERY OF INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC.

THIS ADDITION WILL ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT WITH INFORMATION COORDINATION WITH THE JUSTICE PARTNERS.

THIS PROJECTED HIRE DATE WOULD BE MARCH 22ND OF 2022.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. OUR FINAL REQUEST WOULD EXPAND THE EXISTING CONTRACT LAW CLERK PROGRAM.

THE DISTRICT COURTS CURRENTLY EMPLOY LAW STUDENTS AS CONTRACT LAW CLERKS SO THEY CAN EXPERIENCE THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND BENEFIT FROM WORKING ALONGSIDE COURT PROFESSIONALS. IN TURN THE LAW CLERKS ASSIST THE COURT WITH LEGAL RESEARCH AND OTHER DUTIES.

THE EXPANDED NUMBER OF HOURS WILL PROVIDE A 17% INCREASE IN TIME AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS TO PERFORM LEGAL RESEARCH AND OTHER DUTIES IN THE 34 COURTS CURRENTLY USING THE PROGRAM.

EXPANDING THE PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 27 COURTS WITH MUCH-NEEDED ASSISTANCE WITH THE INCREASED WORKLOAD DUE TO THE CASE -- THE COURT CASE BACKLOGS.

THIS WILL ALLOW ALL 61 DISTRICT COURTS ACCESS TO THE CONTRACT LAW CLERK PROGRAM. THE SCHEDULED IMPLEMENTATION WOULD BEGIN ON MARCH 22ND, 2022: THIS CON.

THIS CONCLUDES MY PORTION OF THE BUDGET PRESENTATION.

I WOULD INVITE JUDGE PAYNE TO ADD ANY COMMENTS.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE. AS HE SAID, I AM JUDGE LATASHA LEWIS-PAYNE AND NEWLY ELECTED.

I HAVE BEEN ON-THE-JOB 11 DAYS AND COUNTING.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE A COUPLE COMMENTS TO SUPPLEMENT THE BUDGET PRESENTATION. FIRST I WANT TO THANK THE COMMISSIONERS ON BEHALF OF THE JUDICIARY FOR ALL OF THE EFFORTS THAT YOU ALL HAVE MADE IN MAKING SURE THAT THE JUDICIARY HAS BEEN ABLE TO FUNCTION DURING THIS PANDEMIC. WE RECOGNIZE THAT WITHOUT YOU AND WITHOUT PROVIDING THE NECESSARY FUNDING AT NRG, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE REMARKABLY CONTINUED TO MAKE THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM WORK FOR HARRIS COUNTY SYSTEMS. WE GREATLY UH PRARYB EAT IT AND WE WANTED -- WE GREATLY APPRECIATE IT AND WE WANT TO KNOW WE ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR HELP IN THAT. NEXT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT AND HIGHLIGHT A COUPLE OF CONCERNS YOU WILL SEE IN THE BUDGET AND ALSO DISCUSSED IN THE PRESENT STATION.

THE IMPORTANCE OF JURY FACILITIES AND FACILITIES WHERE WE CAN ASSEMBLE AND CONDUCT VOI -- VOI DIRE AND

[02:50:02]

IT IS TOP OF MIND FOR A LOT OF THE JUDICIARY.

WE APPRECIATE ANY EFFORTS IN THAT REGARD TO MAKE SURE THAT THE COURTS ARE SAFE FOR BOTH THE CITIZENS THAT COME IN AND THE JUDGE THAT'S ARE IN THE COURTROOM AND THE EMPLOYEES THERE AND EVERYONE ELSE INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS.

SECOND, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR WORKING WITH US AND EXPANDING THE LANGUAGE ACCESS PROGRAM.

IN PARTICULAR, IT IS CLOSE TO MY HEART.

I SERVE ON THE TEXAS ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION OF WHICH CONTINUOUSLY WORKS TO EXPAND ACCESS TO THE COURTS.

SO I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE EXPANDING ACCESS TO CIVIL COURTS AND FAMILY COURTS ALIKE.

THE LAST THING, YOU ALSO SEE THAT IN OUR BUDGET WE SEE THE NEED FOR A COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER.

IN THIS INFORMATION AGE WE REALIZE THAT IT IS A MUCH-NEEDED FUNCTION OF A TRANSPARENT AND INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THOSE EFFORTS. THOSE ARE MY COMMENTS.

I WANT TO THANK YOU AGAIN AND I WELCOME ANY QUESTIONS YOU

MAY HAVE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. AND THANK YOU, JUDGE, FOR YOUR COMMENTS. MR. HARRIS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENT PAYINGS. PRESENTATION.

I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS AT LEAST THE POTENTIAL OF ONE UNFUNDED MANDATE THAT THE LEGISLATURE HAS BROUGHT TO YOU. I THINK THAT IS UNDER HOUSE BILL 766. ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THAT?

>> NO, SIR, I AM NOT. AS I STATED, THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR HAS RECENTLY LEFT SO MUCH AND I AM A FEW DAYS IN STEPPING IN TO FILL THAT POSITION.

THE NEW COURT ADMINISTRATOR WILL ARRIVE AT THE END OF

JANUARY. >> MR. BERRY, I WOULD -- I THINK IT WOULD BE IMPORTANT FOR US TO ALSO RECOGNIZE AS WE DEBATE INCREASED SPENDING THAT WE RECOGNIZE WHAT UNFUNDED MANDATES THAT THE LEGISLATURE HAS NOW BROUGHT US.

IT MAY BE A PART OF OUR BUDGET.

I THINK THE DISTRICT COURTS ARE MAKING A REQUEST FOR A CLERK 3 AT 45,000 TO DEAL WITH NOTIFICATION TO VICTIMS ON VIOLENT CRIMES AND ON NUMEROUS CHANGES REGARDING BOND CONDITIONS. I THINK IT WILL HELP US ACROSS THE COUNTY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT OTHER UNFUNDED MANDATES THAT WE WILL LIKELY HAVE TO DEAL WITH IN THIS UPCOMING BUDGET.

SECONDLY, MR. HARRIS, I SAW YOUR 5% REDUCTION IN THE BACKLOG. I GUESS YOU DIDN'T PUT THIS TOGETHER, BUT HOW DID YOU -- WHO CAME UP WITH THAT NUMBER?

>> THAT IS ACCURATE. ALONG WITH CONSULTING WITH MR. WOODS WHO IS THE NEW COURT ADMINISTRATOR THAT WILL BE HERE SOON, WE HAD THAT CONVERSATION AND I DO NOT KNOW WHERE THE FIGURES CAME FROM. I CAN CERTAINLY TAKE A LOOK AT THAT AND GET BACK WITH YOUR OFFICE AND PROVIDE THAT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF YOU WILL.

AND MORE SPECIFICALLY WE HAVE MADE A TREMENDOUS INVESTMENT IN THE DISTRICT COURT SYSTEM, SPECIFICALLY IN BACKLOG REDUCTION. AND SO I'M LOOKING FOR A BIGGER APPETITE ON BACKLOG REDUCTION.

AND SO I WOULD HOPE THAT THERE WILL BE AN EFFORT TO GET SOMEWHERE BEYOND 10% AND IF NOT CLOSER TO 30% IN BACKLOG REDUCTION. WHEN WE GET OUT OF THIS, WE REALLY NEED TO DO THAT. AND THEN I ALSO KNOW WE HAVE A PORTAL, A DASHBOARD, IF YOU WILL, ON THE MOVEMENT OF THE DABBING ETS. DOCKETS.

[02:55:01]

WE HAVE TO KEEP THE JURY TRIALS ON THE FOREFRONT.

WE CANNOT LET ANYTHING GET IN THE WAY OF JURY SELECTION.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE TRACKING THE JURY TRIALS AS WELL. I BELIEVE THAT'S ALREADY IN THE PORTAL. I AM NOT EXACTLY SURE.

THANK YOU. >> I WILL BE SURE TO VERIFY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER

ELLIS. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENTATION. JUDGE, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE AS WELL. WHEN I LOOK AT SOME OF THE DATA, THERE WAS A REQUEST THAT WE SOMEHOW DEFINE PERFORMANCE MEASURES. I DON'T SEE A LOT OF THAT IN THE INFORMATION AND WHEN WE TALK ABOUT TARGETED VALUE OF MEASURES, I SEE A LOT OF TO BE REVIEWED.

THE BOTTOM LINE IS THEY HAD 100% CLEARANCE RATE OR MORE.

I REALLY THINK WE SHOULD START HITTING SOME NUMBERS.

THE CLEARANCE RATES, I MEAN BACKLOG IS A PROBLEM AS COMMISSIONER GARCIA REFERRED TO.

I THINK A GOOD MODEL AND A GOOD PLACE TO CHECK AND SEE IS THE COUNTY COURTS. THEY ARE HITTING THE 100% PLUS CLEARANCE RATE AND WE ARE GOING TO NEED TO SEE THE NUMBERS CIRCLING BEFORE WE -- AS WE KNOW RESOURCES ARE PRECIOUS AND WE WILL NEED TO HAVE THEM IN PLACE WHERE THEY CAN DO THE MOST GOOD. RATHER THAN EXPANDING THINGS THIS YEAR, I THINK WE JUST NEED TO -- WHAT I WOULD SAY IS GET BACK TO BASICS. IT IS HOW YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR CLIER WRENS RATES -- CLEARANCE RATES AND -- MAKE IT AS SIMPLE AND LESS COMPLICATED AS POSSIBLE.

WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT THAT. WE KNOW WE ARE COMING OUT OF HARVEY. WE KNOW WE ARE COMING THROUGH A PANDEMIC, BUT AS I MET WITH THE JUDGES AND THE ADMINISTRATORS WITHIN THE COUNTY COURT SYSTEM, THEY HAD THE SAME TYPE OF ISSUES. THEY ARE DOING QUITE WELL.

LET ME ENCOURAGE YOU TO START GETTING NUMBERS ESTABLISHES.

A GOOD PLACE TO START IS TO GET HIGHER THAN 100% CLEARANCE RATE. THAT GIVES US SOMETHING WE CAN

BUILD ON. >> YES, SIR.

AND WE TOOK A LOOK AT THE SPREAD SHEET.

THOSE NUMBERS ARE AVAILABLE AND WE PROVIDED THOSE LAST YEAR. IT REALLY FALLS ON THAT BREAK IN WITH RETIREMENT. AS I TRIED TO GET THE NUMBERS TOGETHER DIDN'T QUITE GET THAT OFF THE GROUND.

I WILL DEFINITELY GET THIS -- I AM IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH MR. WOOD WHO IS THE NEW COURT ADMINISTRATOR IN WORKING OUT THAT INFORMATION. THAT INFORMATION EXISTS AND WE ARE TRACKING IT. IT IS A MATTER OF GETTING THAT DELIVERED IN THE SPREAD SHEET PROVIDED.

>> IT IS NOT ONLY JUST GETTING DATA ON A PIECE OF PAPER.

IT IS IMPROVING THE CLEARANCE RATES.

I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE VERY SPECIFIC ACTIONS TO IMPROVE THE CLEARANCE RATES. THAT'S PROBABLY MUCH OF WHAT WE NEED TO -- WHAT ACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES ARE WE GOING TO SEE IMPLEMENTED TO IMPROVE THE CLEARANCE RATE?

>> LET ME JUMP IN AND MAKE A COMMENT AS TO THAT PARTICULAR METRIC. I JUST WANT TO JUMP IN AND START OUT TO SAY THAT METRICS BY WHICH THE JUDGES MANAGE THEIR COURT DOCKETS FIRST AND FOREMOST HAVE OBVIOUSLY BEEN RECOMMENDED AND IMPOSED UPON US BY THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT AND THE LEADER OF THE JUDICIARY.

WE LOOK AT CLEARANCE RATES AND THE JUDGES WERE CHARGED WITH A MANAGING DOCKET SO THAT THEY PROGRESS WHETHER THAT IS WITHIN A YEAR OR YEAR AND A HALF, SIX MONTHS, DEPENDING ON THE CASE. THAT IS SOMETHING THAT I WANT TO ASSURE YOU THAT EACH AND EVERY DISTRICT COURT JUDGE IS

[03:00:01]

I CAN'T GO POINT BY POINT ON THE CHART, BUT I WANT TO SPEAK TO THE CLEARANCE RATES AND TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE DISTRICT COURTS, THE STATE DISTRICT COURTS DOCKETS ARE A BIT DIFFERENT IN TERMS OF JURISDICTION AND THE TYPES OF CASES. WHILE IT IS AN APPLE AND ORANGE COMPARISON IT MAY NOT BE AN APPLE AND APPLE

COMPARISON. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, JUDGE AND MR. HARRIS. YOU MAKE A GOOD POINT ABOUT THE INTERPRETERS AND I KNOW WE HAVE A LANGUAGE ACCESS PLAN, BUT I AM NOT SURE IF OUR CURRENT PRACTICES ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH FIGHT TELL 6 -- TITLE 6.

I HOPE THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT WILL BE SENSITIVE TO MAKING SURE WE GET UP TO WHERE WE OUGHT TO BE IN TERMS OF BEST PRACTICES ON INTERPRETERS.

I'M VERY SENSITIVE AND I THINK WE ALL SHOULD BE BEFORE WE GET

SUED. >> ABSOLUTELY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR THE PRESENTATION, IF MY COLLEAGUES DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US. >> THANK YOU.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

[Pretrial Services]

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. THANK YOU JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS FOR LETTING US PRESENT.

WE WANT TO THANK OMB FOR THIS STRUCTURED APPROACH LEADING UP TO THE BUDGET PROCESS. IT REALLY HELPED ME UNDERSTAND WHERE WE ARE MOVING FORWARD AND TARGETING OUR EFFORTS.

I HAVE WITH ME TODAY DENNIS POTS WHO IS VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE BUDGET. HE LASS BEEN -- HE HAS BEEN PREPARING THE BUDGET FOR MANY YEARS AND HE WILL BE HERE FOR ANY QUESTIONS. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

WE HAVE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES THAT INCLUDES A DIRECTOR'S OFFICE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES AND HUMAN RESOURCES THAT ENTAILS TWO ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS AS WELL AS I.T. AND SOFTWARE SUPPORT.

AND THEN WE HAVE PROGRAMMING. AND WE HAVE INTAKE PRETRIAL SCREENING THAT HAPPENS DOWN AT THE JAIL AT THE JPC.

AND THEY SCREEN FOR ANYONE COMING THROUGH ON A NEW ARREST AND THEY PREPARE ANY BONDS. LAST YEAR THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT FUNDED THE JUDICIAL LAY -- LIAISON AND THAT IS ITS OWN LEG. AND THEN FINALLY SUPERVISION AND MONITORING. THIS IS THE LARGEST COMPONENT OF STAFFING. THAT'S WHY WE BROKE IT UP THIS YEAR. AND WE WILL TALK ABOUT THAT IN A LITTLE BIT IN OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS THIS YEAR.

THIS ENTAILS ALCOHOL MONITORING AND ELECTRONIC MONITORING WHICH ENTAILS GPS AS WELL AS RF AND THEN WE ALSO HAVE THE FAILURE TO APPEAR UNIT AND COMPLIANCE AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH REFERRAL AND COORDINATION.

MUCH OF THE BEHAVIORAL REFERRAL AND INDEPENDENT MODELING WHICH IS OUR COMPLIANCE, WE HAVE PULLED STAFF IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THE ALCOHOL MONITORING AS WELL AS ELECTRONIC MONITORING. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

OUR KEY OBJECTIVES THIS YEAR ARE TO DEAD -- ARE TO DEDICATE RESOURCES TOWARD FISCAL AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGERS.

WE ARE LOOKING TO PROVIDE RELEASE -- PARDON ME, TO THE JUDICIARY THAT WE ANTICIPATE WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING INTO THE AGENCY.

ADDITIONALLY WE ARE LOOKING TO REDUCE THE OVERRELIANCE ON THE HIGH COST AND LOW REWARD OF SUPERVISION TECHNOLOGIES.

[03:05:05]

WE'LL TALK ABOUT THAT AS WELL.

AND THEN NEXT WE ARE CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTING A NEW CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM THAT WILL ULTIMATELY ENHANCE OUR NOTIFICATIONS TO THE COURT AND RECEIVING INFORMATION FROM THE COURTS WHEN THE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE.

WHEN WE LOOK AT THIS YEAR'S OUTCOMES WE LOOK TO IMPROVE TWO OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE AGENCY MOVING FORWARD WHICH ARE THE FISCAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES.

RIGHT NOW WE HAD TWO ADMINISTRATIVE ASSESS ASSISTANTS DOING THE TASK. WE HAVE THEM DOING THE ON BOARDING AND WE HAVE ONE TRAINER AND THEN FOR FISCAL, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN DENNIS. WE ARE LOOKING TO BUILD THAT UP FURTHER IN ORDER TO MAKE IT MORE ROBUST SO WE CAN DO MORE, HAVE MORE ATTENTION ON THAT SO WE CAN STRATEGIZE.

WE WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE JUDICIAL SUPPORT OF LEAST RESTRICTIVE CONDITIONS AND REDUCE UNNECESSARY CONDITIONS. WE CAN REDUCE THAT AND PUTTING JUDICIAL JUDICIALLY YEA SONS IN THE COURT THE RETURN -- PUTTING JUDICIAL LIAISONS IN THE COURT SYSTEM.

WE ARE LOOKING TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE SERVICES A THE A LOWER COST WITHOUT NEGATIVELY IMPACTING COMMUNITY SAFETY.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING TO DO IS PROVIDE MORE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES SO THAT IT WILL GIVE THE COURTS AN ALTERNATIVE TO AN ELECTRONIC MONITOR OR ANY TYPE OF ALCOHOL MONITORING.

SOMETIMES IT IS REQUIRED BY STATE STATUTE OUT, BUT OTHER INSTANCES IT IS NOT. OUR GOAL IS TO STABILIZE PEOPLE THROUGH THE PRE-TRIAL PROCESS.

WHICH IS POINT OF ARREST THROUGH DISPOSITION.

AND WE WOULD LIKE TO RETAIN EXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES AND REDUCE THE COST TO -- AND IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICE.

RIGHT NOW WE HAVE APPROXIMATELY.

RIGHT NOW THE HIGHEST TURNOVER IS ALCOHOL MONITORING AND ALCOHOL MONITORING UNITS. ALCOHOL MONITORING ALONE WE HAVE 23 OPEN POSITIONS. AND PEOPLE STAY IN THAT DIVISION APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND A HALF.

THAT'S HOW HIGH THE TURNOVER RATE IS.

IT TAKES SIX MONTHS FOR A PERSON TO GO AND MAINTAIN A FULL CASE LOAD TO THE POINT OF WHEN THEY START WITH THE AGENCY TRAINING AND THEN WHEN THEY ULTIMATELY START TO CARRY THEIR OWN CASE LOAD. WE ARE LOSING PEOPLE BEFORE THEY EVEN START GETTING A CASE LOAD.

THERE ARE MULTIPLE CUSTOMERS. WE HAVE THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND WE HAVE THE COURT AND WE WANT TO INCLUDE THE STAFF IN THAT AS WELL. AND IMPROVE COMMUNICATION OPTIONS. NEXT SLAYED, PLEASE.

NEXT SLIDE PLEASE. >> HERE IS WHAT WE HAVE DONE.

WE IMPLEMENTED A NEW ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE.

IT WAS NECESSARY THAT THE AGENCY HAS CHANGED AND IT HAS NOT HAD A LARGE OVERHAUL OF STRUCTURE IN AT LEAST 30 YEARS. SO WE HAVE DIVIDED THE AGENCY TO START TARGET OUR SERVICES AND WHERE WE ARE HEADING IN THE FUTURE. WE ARE ALSO BEGINNING TO TRANSFER TO PAPERLESS TIME ENTRY AND CURRENT LEA -- CURRENTS LEA MOST IS UNDER THE PAPER TIME CLOCK SYSTEM, BUT WE TRANSITIONING AND WE HAVE DONE A SMALL PILOT INTERNATIONALLY AND ULTIMATELY WHAT THAT WILL DO IS FREE THE ADD MINUTE AND STAFF TO DO OTHER THINGS.

CURRENTLY A DAY AND A HALF TO TWO DAYS IS SPENT JUST DOING TIME ENTRY. AND THEN ALSO WE HAVE BEEN COLLABORATING WITH HARRIS COUNTY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATING COUNCIL AND THE PILOT PROGRAM AND EASY MONITORING TO PROVIDE PROXIMITY ALERTS FOR VICTIMS

[03:10:08]

IT HAS BEEN A LONG JOUR NAY, BUT IT IS NEAR THE END, BUT REALISTICALLY I WOULD LIKE TO ADD A COUPLE MONTHS TO THAT.

WE WILL WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION COMING IN EASILY. RIGHT NOW EVERYBODY COMES TO PRETRIAL IN TERMS OF SUPERVISION HAS TO BE MANUALLY ENTERED. WE DO THAT AT LEAST TWO DIFFERENT TIMES. IT WILL REDUCE THE REDUNDANCY OF ENTRY. WE CAN START IDENTIFYING INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE DOING WELL IN A MORE EFFICIENT FASHION, BUT ALSO PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT DOING WELL, WHERE WE CAN START TARGETING OUR RESOURCES.

WE SUPPORTED THE EFFORTS OF JAD AND IDEA 42 IN THE O'DONNELL DECREE AND CHANGING OUR FORM AND REDESIGNING THEM. WHEN I LOOK AT THEM, THEY ARE VERY CLEAR AND VERY SIMPLE. AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE HOLD ONES THERE -- IF YOU LOOK AT THE OLD ONE THERE'S IS A LAUNDRY LIST AND THEY GET SMALLER AND SMALLER OVER THE YEARS SO MORE INFORMATION CAN GET ADDED.

RIGHT NOW THEY ARE VERY CLEAR TO READ AND SHOULD WE NEED TO IMPROVE THE OUTCOME FOR COURT APPEARANCE.

WE HAVE ALSO SKIERED THE JUDICIAL LIAISON POSITIONS TO BETTER IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICE TO THE COURTS.

THAT SHOULD BE FULLY IMPLEMENTED BY NEXT MONTH.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING IS AS PEOPLE ARE LEAVING, WE ARE HAVING TO BACK FILL POSITIONS.

WE ARE PUSHING AND PULLING FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF THE AGENCY TO FILL THE POSITIONS. WE HAVE TWO TRAINING CLASSES IN MOTION AT THIS TIME. THEN IN THE NEAR FUTURE, ACTUALLY JANUARY 22ND, WE WILL BE MOVING INTO THE WILSON BUILDING. WE ARE VACATING THE COFFEE POT WHERE OUR COMPLIANCE UNIT IS. WE ARE EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO THE PEDEN BUILDING WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. THAT SHOULD HAPPEN AT THE END OF THE YEAR. HERE ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES AND I SPOKE WITH COMMISSIONERS' COURT LAST WEEK AND WE DISCUSSED A LOT OF THESE ISSUES OF BEHIND THE INCREASED USE OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING AND ALCOHOL MONITORING. IT IS COMPOUNDED BY THE LENGTH OF SUPERVISION. IF YOU LOOK AT -- IF YOU REMEMBER MR. HARRIS' PRESENTATION, THEY HAD A 5% REDUCTION OF THE BACKLOG. THAT IS DIRECTLY CORRELATED TO OUR STATISTICS. THE MORE THE BACKLOG IS REDUCED, THE MORE THE NUMBERS GO DOWN.

THAT'S JUST ONE PIECE. WE ARE LOOKING AT THIS AS AN OVER ALL STRATEGY. WE WANT TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AND THAT IS ANOTHER PIECE OF THE PUZZLE THAT WILL HOPEFULLY REDUCE THE USE OF THE DEVICES.

AND WE ARE NOT IN CONTROL OF THE USE OF OUR SERVICES.

THESE ARE ALL COURT ORDERS. THE MORE WE ARE IN PUT WITH MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS AND THEY WILL HAVE THE SAME IMPACT THAT THEY CAN MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STEP DOWNS AND THEY WILL STRAW TEE -- STRATEGICALLY REDUCE THIS AND COMING BACK TO NEXT YEAR THIS WILL NOT BE THE MAJORITY OF OUR BUDGET. WE KNOW STAFF TURNOVER AND TRAINING HAS BEEN AN ISSUE. WE ARE LOOKING AT BETTER STRATEGIES. OUR MESSAGING NEEDS TO BE BETTER. THE CULTURE NEEDS TO BE ONE WHERE PEOPLE STAY THERE. AND THAT IS SOMETHING WE ARE WORKING ON. WE ALSO NEED TO EXPAND THE ALTERNATIVES TO ELECTRONIC MONITORING.

AND INFORM THE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES.

THIS IS MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS.

WE NEED TO PROVIDE OPTIONS TO THE COURT SO THEY DON'T FEEL COMPELLED TO ALWAYS PUT ON THESE ALTERNATIVE METHODS AND

[03:15:06]

EVERY FEW YEARS WE HAVE TO ARCHIVE THE DATA BECAUSE THE SYSTEM IS ABOUT READY TO CRASH.

MOVING FORWARD WE WILL HAVE A MORE IMPROVED WAY OF COLLECTING DATA AND DOING ANALYTICS AND SHARING DATA.

ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS? THIS IS ALWAYS THE BIGGEST AREA OF CONCERN AND I UNDERSTAND THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, GO AHEAD.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

MS. MICHALLIDES, THANK YOU. AS WE TALK ABOUT THE ITEM WE APPROVED THE LAST COURT, THE INCREASE IN YOUR ELECTRONIC MONITORING BUDGET. YOU SAID YOU ARE UNDERSTAFFED IN TERMS OF MONITORS OR COME PLAY YENS OFFICERS.

>> WE ARE DOWN 23 PEOPLE IN JUST THAT DIVISION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ARE THOSE POSITIONS FUNDED?

>> THEY ARE FUNDED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO YOU ARE STRUGGLING TRYING TO RECRUIT AND HIRE THOSE FOLKS.

OKAY. THAT WAS GOING TO BE MY QUESTION AS TO I DIDN'T SEE ANY POSITIONS FOR THAT IN THIS BUDGET, BUT THAT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE FUNDED.

YOU ARE JUST HAVING A TOUGH TIME.

NOW, ON THAT, ARE THE SALARY LEVELS FOR THOSE COMMENCE RETE

WITH THE MARKET? >> WE WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT THAT. I REALLY DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT. WE CAN GET BACK TO YOU ON THAT QUESTION. I KNOW THAT WE DID GIVE THAT DIVISION ALONE A SMALL INCREASE SO THERE WOULD AT LEAST BE SOME INCENTIVE FOR PEOPLE TO GO THERE.

BUT EVEN THAT ISN'T INCENTIVE ENOUGH.

THAT IS THE PRIMARY DIVISION THAT PEOPLE ARE LEADING FROM

-- LEAVING FROM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF YOU WILL LOOK AT THAT. THAT WILL BE IMPORTANT FOR US TO UNDERSTAND. THANK YOU.

>> YOU'RE WELCOME. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU SO MUCH. I KNOW YOU IN YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS MADE REFERENCE TO COMPLIANCE WITH THE O'DONNELL DECREE, AND IN YOUR NEW REQUEST THERE ARE PROGRAMS TO DO FURTHER COMPLIANCE WITH THE O'DONNELL CONSENT DECREE.

CAN YOU GIVE US AN ESTIMATE OF HOW MUCH TOTAL YOUR BUDGET IS TOWARD THE O'DONNELL CONSENT DO -- DECREE?

>> HERE IS PART OF THE PROBLEM.

DENNIS IS ON THE CALL AS WELL.

OUR CURRENT SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW US TO PARSE OUT IF A PERSON HAS TWO DIFFERENT CHARGES AND THEN ONE OF THEM IS A MISDEMEANOR AND ONE OF THEM IS A FELONY AND THEY HAVE CONDITIONS. MOVING FORWARD WE WILL ABSOLUTELY BE ABLE TO DO A BETTER JOB OF SAYING SPECIFICALLY THIS -- THESE ARE THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SUPERVISION OR A MISDEMEANOR OR A FELONY.

PRETRIAL HAS -- AND THIS ALSO IS BENEFICIAL TO THE PEOPLE THAT WE ARE SUPERVISING THAT WERE NOT CREATING A FINANCIAL HARDSHIP. IF IT IS A FELONY WE ARE COVERING THE COSTS WHICH HAS LEAD TO WHAT WE ARE FACING RIGHT NOW. NOT ONLY THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE BEING ADDED TO THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING, BUT IT POSSIBLY IS THE JOB MARKET AS WELL THAT PEOPLE ARE UNDER EMPLOYED.

THEY MAY BE EMPLOYED, BUT UNDER EMPLOYED SO THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO ACTUALLY PAY FOR THEIR DEVICES.

THEY ARE DEEMED INDIGENT. THAT IS WHERE O'DONNELL COMES IN ON THE FELONY SIDE. I COULDN'T TELL YOU WHAT OUR NUMBERS ARE IN TERMS OF IF A PERSON HAS A MISDEMEANOR FELONY AND WHICH PIECE IS GOING TO THE O'DONNELL DECREE. BUT MOVING FORWARD, COMMISSIONER, WE ABSOLUTELY WILL BE ABLE TO DO THAT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER?

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

THE QUESTION JUST -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. COMMISSIONER, -- THE QUESTION POPPED IN MY HEAD, SAY YOU DON'T HAVE ANYMORE STAFF.

[03:20:02]

AND YOU ARE REALLY JUST -- YOU ARE ALMOST LIKE THE SHERIFF.

YOU HAVE NO DISCRETION OVER THE PROGRAM AND IT IS MANDATED BY THE JUDGES AND YOU HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDER. HAVE YOU HAD A CONVERSATION WITH THE JUDGES TO TELL THEM -- FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD HOW INCAPACITATED THE PROGRAM IS AT THE MOMENT? HAVE YOU HAD THAT DISCUSSION WITH THEM?

>> I HAVE NOT. I HAVE NOT.

YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE AREAS PRETRIAL HAS MUSCLED THROUGH AND THEY DO WHAT THEY NEED TO DO AND WE ARE AT A TIPPING POINT WHERE WE NEED TO SAY, OKAY, WE HAVE TO HIT THE PAUSE BUTTON, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO DO THESE ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS WHICH IS PROVIDING THE RECOMMENDATION AND REQUESTING STEP DOWNS. THAT'S WHERE I WOULD LIKE TO DO EVERY STEP DOWN. THE DOORS HAVE NEVER SHUDDERED IN THE PANDEMIC. THEY ALWAYS KEPT THEIR DOORS OPEN AND THEY TAKE EVERYONE THAT COMES IN.

I GIVE THEM CREDIT FOR THAT AND US CREDIT.

WE ARE NOT AT THAT POINT. I WOULD LIKE TO TRY OTHER STRATEGIES. PART OF IT, COMMISSIONER, IT IS A CULTURE. IT IS A CULTURE OF RELIANCE.

WE AS A SYSTEM, AND I DO NOT SOLELY LAY THIS ON THE SOULEDDERS OF THE COURTS, BUT IT IS A SYSTEM -- ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE COURTS, BUT WE AS A SYSTEM HAVE TO DETERMINE WHERE WE WANT OUR RESOURCES TO GO.

AND HOPEFULLY IF WE IMPLEMENT THE OTHER STRATEGIES I CAN SAY THROUGH THIS STRATEGY WE REDUCE INTAKES BY THIS AMOUNT AND THE NEXT STRATEGY WE REDUCE PEOPLE ON SUPERVISION BY ANOTHER PERCENTAGE. RIGHT NOW IT IS DIRECTLY CORRELATED WITH THE CLEARANCE RATE.

THAT IS IT. MR. HARRIS SAID THEY INCREASED CASE LOADS BY 5%, AND SO DID OURS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOTCHA. I WOULD SUGGEST SOME DISCUSSION SO -- TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF YOUR CHALLENGES.

OUT OF CURIOSITY, HOW ARE YOU RECRUITING FOR THOSE POSITIONS? AND IT IS TO, ONE, IDENTIFY A HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER AND THERE IS A VERY SMALL TEAM OF US. I KNOW WE ARE A HUGE AGENCY AND WE HAVE ASKED RESOURCES TO HELP US AND THEY HAVE DONE SO. WE DO BELIEVE NEXT YEAR -- WHENEVER THE JOB FAIRS GO IN PERSON AGAIN WE WILL GO TO JOB FAIRS. WE HAVE 92 OPEN POSITIONS FOR

THE AGENCY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I HAVE THOUGHTS ON THAT THAT I WILL SHARE WITH YOU LATER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: A TIME CHECK HERE.

WE HAVE COMMUNITY SUPERVISION AND L.A. AND PD AND MAC AND ALL OF JP AND JUVENILE PROBATION AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS. IT IS 3:15.

JUST POINTING THAT OUT THERE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: REAL QUICKLY, I WOULD ALSO SUGGEST WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING AT WHERE YOUR CAPACITY IS AND WE HOPE IT DOESN'T STAY THERE, BUT WHERE IT IS AT CURRENTLY TO PROVIDE ANY OTHER ALTERNATIVES SO THAT YOU ARE GETTING MAYBE A LEVEL OF REQUEST THROUGH YOUR STRATEGIES AND MAYBE SUGGESTING STRATEGIES TO THE JUDGES WHAT MIGHT BE WORKING BETTER THAN JUST THE ELECTRONIC MONITORS AND ANY OTHER SYSTEMS YOU HAVE.

I THINK THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENTATION.

[03:25:01]

>> SURE. >> TOM RAMSEY: I AM CALLING OUT ONE OF YOUR CHALLENGES THAT IS VERY GOOD, OVER RELIANCE ON SUPERVISION TECHNOLOGIES.

THAT'S KIND OF WHAT WE HAVE ALL BEEN SAYING.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR FRESH APPROACH.

AS YOU LOOK AT THIS AND AS YOU TRY TO SORT THROUGH IT AND WHETHER IT IS WITH THE JUDGES OR IT IS WITH YOUR STAFF OR OTHER MEANS, WE LOOK FORWARD TO WHAT YOU MIGHT BE COMING BACK WITH. JUST KEEP US POSTED.

>> WILL DO, COMMISSIONER. THANK YOU.

AND I AM HOPING BY NEXT SUMMER WE WILL HAVE SOME CONCRETE NUMBERS TO SHOW YOU. AGAIN, WISM -- I THINK WE WENT THRAW ALL OF THESE. CAN WE GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE? OUR PERFORMANCE METRICS, WE DISCUSSED SOME OF THEM, BUT MOVING FORWARD WE HAVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AS WELL AS JOB SATISFACTION THAT WE ARE HOPING WILL REDUCE STAFF TURNOVER. WE ARE LOOKING TO DO THIS IN A DIFFERENT WAY. WHEN WERE YOU AT YOUR BEST? WE CAN ALWAYS TALK ABOUT THE NEGATIVES AND WE DON'T WANT TO IGNORE THAT, BUT THE OTHER PART OF THAT IS WE WANT TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE TO STAY AT WHAT MAKES THEM HAPPY. AGAIN WE WILL BE MEASURING OUR SAFETY RATES WHICH ARE APPEARANCE AS WELL AS REARREST PENDING TRIAL TO THE POINT OF ARRESTS THROUGH DISPOSITION AND THEN OUR COUNTS FOR ELECTRONIC MONITORING.

CURRENTLY WE HAVE THAT. OVERALL WE HAVE 30,000 PEOPLE. A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THAT WE DO NOT SEE. THEY ARE JUST ON OUR COMPLIANCE UNIT. AGAIN, WE ARE WORKING WITH ANOTHER AGENCY TO LOOK AT A STRUCTURED APPROACH -- A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO LOOK AT JOB SATISFACTION AND WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH UNIVERSAL SERVICES TO IMPLEMENT OUR NEW CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. AND WE HAVE HAD A 5% REDUCTION SINCE SEPTEMBER REGARDING OUR EM CLIENTS AS WELL AS OVERALL CASE LOAD. NEXT SLIDE.

I'M TRYING TO GO THROUGH THESE.

AS YOU CAN SEE IT IS VERY CLEAR WHEN THE PANDEMIC HITS.

FIRST THERE WAS HARVEY, AND THEN WE CITIEDLY INCREASED -- WE STEADILY INCREASED AND WE ARE ON -- NOT A STEEP HILL, BUT ONCE THE PANDEMIC HIT, SO DID THE RELIANCE ON SUPERVISION. WE ARE STARTING TO DECREASE LITTLE BY LITTLE AND HOPE THAT TREND CONTINUES.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. THIS SHOWS OUR AVERAGE DAILY POPULATION OF SCRAN. IT IS A MONITOR THAT MEASURES ALCOHOL IN OUR SYSTEM AND IT MEASURES THE ALCOHOL CONTENT ON YORE SKIN. IT IS ALSO IN THE FORM OF A BRACELET. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE PORTION OF OUR SUPERVISION. ADDITIONALLY PRE-PANDEMIC THERE WERE 18 PEOPLE AND NOW THERE ARE 742.

WHAT WE ARE HOPING WITH IGNITION INTER LOCK AND PORTABLES BEING PAID FOR MOVING FORWARD THAT THIS WILL REDUCE THE RELIANCE ON SCRAM. AND THEN FOR ELECTRONIC MONITORING, AS YOU CAN SEE OUR COSTS HAVE REALLY, REALLY INRAYSED. INCREASED.

CURRENTLY WE ARE AT 630,000. IT IS ONE THING IF WE ARE FULL AND THE JAIL IS NOT FULL. THE PROBLEM IS THAT BOTH AGENCIES ARE PACKED. NEXT SLIDE.

HERE ARE OUR ASKS. WE ARE LOOKING TO FUND A FISCAL MANAGER AND WE HAVE BROKEN IT UP OVER TWO YEARS.

WE WANT TO CONSOLIDATE OUR BUDGETING.

WE WANT TO DO A BETTER EFFORT OF SECURING GRANTS AS WELL MOVING FORWARD. ADDITIONAL LEA WE ARE LOOKING TO PROVIDE -- WE ARE PROVIDING COURT-ORDERED IGNITION LOCK.

THIS WILL HELP US COMPLY WITH O'DONNELL CONSENT DECREE.

BUT WE ARE LOOKING AT AN ASSIST WITH THE RELIANCE ON SCRAM WHICH IS A TRANS JOURNAL ALCOHOL MONITORING WHICH WE ARE ALSO PUTTING ON THE LIST OF REQUESTS.

IT IS IN ORDER TO BE COMPLIANT WITH THE O'DONNELL DECREE AND TO PROVIDE THIS FOR PEOPLE THAT INDIGENT.

STAYING WITH COURT-ORDERED ELECTRONIC MONITORING.

[03:30:03]

AND ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY. >> HAVING A FISCAL MANAGER WILL ALLOW US TO HAVE A MORE TIMELY PROCESS OF TABLES AND DEVELOP IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONTRACTS AND GRANTS.

AND ELECTRONIC MONITORING AND THEY WILL PROVIDE A RANGE OF OPTIONS FOR OVERALL COSTS. DENNIS, DID YOU HAVE ANYTHING

YOU WANTED TO ADD? >> I'M SORRY.

NO, MA'AM. NOT AT THIS TIME.

>> I DO BELIEVE THAT IS THE LAST SLIDE.

THAT IS THE LAST SLIDE. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? LEAN LEAN THANK YOU, DIRECT --

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, DIRECTOR, FOR THE PRESENTATION AND FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER.

I SHARE AND IT SOUNDS LIKE ALL OF US SHARE THE GOAL OF REDUCING OVER RELIANCE ON THIS.

I KNOW IT IS NOT ALL YOUR DECISION, BUT ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT, LET US KNOW.

[Community Supervision & Corrections]

SUPERVISION. >> HOPING YOU CAN SEE ME OKAY. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME PRESENT TODAY. THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME FOR THIS THOROUGH PROCESS. BUDGET MANAGEMENT HAS ALSO BEEN INCREDIBLY HELPFUL TO US.

I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THEM.

THEY HAVE BEEN GREAT. LET'S MOVE ON.

OUR FOCUS FOR THIS PRESENTATION IS PRIMARILY ON THE THINGS THAT THE COUNTY IS ASSISTING US WITH IN TERMS OF FUNDING. OUR MISSION AND VISION OBVIOUS LEA ENCOMPASSES SOMETHING MUCH BROADER WITH WHAT WE DO FOR THE STATE. MOST OF OUR FUNDING IS STATE FUNDING AND IT SUPPORTS OUR MAIN MISSION OF USING BEST PRACTICES TO DIVERT INDIVIDUALS FROM INCARCERATION AND HELP REHABILITATE AND PROVIDE SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS SO THEY CAN HAVE A LAW-ABIDING, FULFILLED LIFE AND NOT COME BACK TO THE JUSTICE SYSTEM.

AND BALANCING THAT WITH ALSO PUBLIC SAFETY.

OUR BIG PROGRAMS THAT ARE SUPPORTED BY THE COUNTY, OUR CO-OCCURRING RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM, HARRIS CENTER PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH US. THE COUNTY HAS BEEN INCREDIBLE IN TERMS OF HELPING US PROVIDE THOSE SERVICES AND THE FELONY MENTAL HEALTH THAT SERVES INDIVIDUALS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE NOT HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DIVERSION.

IT REQUIRES AN AGREEMENT FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND THE DEFENSE COUNCIL FOR THAT PROGRAM.

THE RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES WHICH HAVE BEEN REALLY, REALLY IMPORTANT IN TERMS OF HELPING PEOPLE GET JOBS AND MAINTAINING A LIVABLE WAGE AND GETTING IN SITUATIONS WHENNER THEY CAN SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES.

WE SUPPORT THE JUDGES AND RUNNING THAT.

THAT IS FOR THE HIGHEST RISK CLIENTS THAT SUFFER FROM ADDICTION. AND IT IS A VERY VALUABLE PROGRAM. NEXT SLIDE? OUR OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITIES AGAIN ARE FOCUSED ON THESE SPECIFIC STRATEGIES. OUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVE THAT OVERLAPS WITH THE COUNTY IS DIVERSION.

AND ALSO EFFICIENCY. WE WILL CONTINUE THE SAME GOALS WE HAVE HAD WHICH IS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WE ARE ABLE TO DIVERT THRAW THESE SERVICES AND -- TO DO -- TO DIVERT THROUGH THESE SERVICES AND THE CLIENTS WITH THE IMPORTANT LEGAL RESOURCES THEY NEED.

WE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON OUR DATA TO EVALUATE POTENTIAL RACIAL AND -- RACIAL DISPARITIES AND HELP CLIENTS GET WHAT THEY NEED. ONE THING I WANT TO MENTION QUICKLY IN HERE, THE CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND THE COUNTY IS SUPPORTED AS PART OF THE CORE BASE AND THE FUNDING THAT WE PROVIDE IS ALSO INCREDIBLY VALUABLE IN TERMS

[03:35:02]

NEXT SLIDE. I'M GOING TO TRY TO HIGHLIGHT A FEW ACCOMPLISHMENTS. I KNOW THIS IS A BUSY SLIDE, SO I APOLOGIZE FOR THE DENSITY OF IT.

THERE ARE SMINGS ON HERE THAT -- THERE ARE SOME THINGS ON HERE THAT I THINK ARE IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW.

ONE, WE WERE ABLE TO SECURE MORE COMPETITIVE FUNDING FROM THE STATE TO INRAYS THE NUMBER OF BEDS AVAILABLE FOR OUR CLIENTS. IT IS FOR PEOPLE GOING THROUGH THE DIAGNOSIS PROGRAM. IT HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON REDUCING THE WAIT TIME FOR PEOPLE TO GET INTO THE PROGRAM. THAT'S AN INCREDIBLE IMPACT ON THE JAIL AND THESE PALM'S LIVES.

A COUPLE OF THINGS I WANT TO MENTION, ONE THING THAT MADE THIS POSSIBLE AND ALLOWED US TO START THIS EARLIER AND HELP SECURE STATE FUNDING IS A FEW YEARS AGO PRECINCT 3 AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SUPPORTED THIS LAST TIME PROVIDED A MILLION DOLLARS THAT WE BRRRR -- THAT WE WERE ABLE TO PUT TOWARD THIS EFFORT OF EXPANDING THE CAPACITY IN OUR DIAGNOSIS PROGRAMS. THAT REALLY GAVE US A GOOD PUSH FORWARD TO REALLY GET GOING AND GET IT HAPPENING QUICKER. THAT'S SOMETHING WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT. THE OTHER THING, COMMISSIONERS, YOU HAVE DONE -- AND JUDGE, YOU HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB WITH SUPPORTING US WITH TELE PSYCHIATRY AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES AND A HOST OF NEEDS FOR THESE CLIENTS. US AND THE HARRIS CENTER.

A COUPLE OF OTHER THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN BIG THIS YEAR.

I KNOW WE TALKED A LOT ABOUT THE BACKLOG OF CASES.

CSED HAS SEEN -- CSCD HAS SEEN A VARIETY OF CASES AND BACKLOG AS WELL. ONE OF THE THINGS WE ARE SEEING AN INCREASE IN IS INCREASED RIGHT NOW ALMOST TRIPLE WHAT WE NORMALLY WOULD GET.

IT IS A REQUEST FROM OUR DISTRICT COURTS FOR PRECENTIVE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS. THE JUDGES USE THEM TO RESOLVE A CASE IN LIEU OF A TRIAL. THAT'S REQUIRED FOR US TO PROVIDE. IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE.

IT DOES HELP TREMENDOUSLY WITH THE BACKLOG BECAUSE THE COURT IS ABLE TO RESOLVE THE SENTENCING FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT GOING TO A FULL TRIAL.

THE PARTY IS ESSENTIALLY AGREEING TO AGREE TO A PSI.

WE HAD THOSE NUMBERS GO UP QUITE RAPIDLY AND STEEPLY.

IT WAS PROBABLY BEGINNING AROUND JULY AND AUGUST OF THIS YEAR. WE ENDED UP LEVERAGING OVERTIME AND WE KIND OF -- WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO SOME BIG ADJUSTMENTS TO MEET THE DEMAND. I ANTICIPATE THIS BEING AN ON GOING CHALLENGE. THESE ARE NOT THINGS THAT WILL NEVER BE PLACED ON SUPERVISION.

THEY ARE MURDER CASES AND THEY ARE CASES A COURT IS TRYING TO EASE OF. SAME THING WITH A COST PER ASSESSMENTS FOR OUR COUNTY AND DISTRICT COURTS AND THE EMERGENCY DOCKETS AS THEY HAVE TRIED TO MOVE THEIR BACKLOG.

THE JUDGES RELY ON US AND IT IS MAKING SURE THAT WE ARE ADDRESSING THE INDIVIDUALS THAT NEED THE SERVICES THE MOST AND THAT ARE AT MOST RISK AND HAVE THE HIGHEST NEEDS AND PROVIDING THE APPROPRIATE SERVICES AND IT IS A BEST PRACTICE. SO WE LEVERAGED QUAT A FEW RE-- QUITE A FEW RESOURCES AND MOST RECENTLY CREATED A PARTNERSHIP WITH UHD TO BRING IN SOME INDIVIDUALS THAT WE ARE ABLE TO TRAIN TO DO SOME OF THE LESS EXTENSIVE LEVEL ASSESSMENTS. THAT HAS BEEN A STRONG PARTNERSHIP WE DID HAVE A PARTNERSHIP AND THIS IS SOMETHING WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME WITH THE PD'S OFFICE. ACTUALLY WITH SEVERAL ENTITIES. A HOLISTIC VISION WILL PROVIDE SERVICES FOR CLIENTS WITH THE RESPONSIVE INTERVENTION FOR CHANGE DOCKET. THEY HAVE A DRUG CASE AND THEY

[03:40:03]

WE DID HAVE A GREAT AWARD FROM ARNOLD VENTURES.

WE WERE PART OF THE CHALLENGE TO CHANGE HOW IT OPERATES.

A SIGNIFICANT REPORT WAS PRODUCED.

WE EVALUATED SOME OF THE KEY DWRIEFERS OF -- DRIVERS OF REVOCATIONS AND SUCCESSES. NOW THEY CHOSE US AS ONE OF THE FIVE SITES GOING FORWARD TO INVESTMENTS AND NEW STRATEGIES THAT WILL HELP US CONTINUE TO PROIR SOLID SERVICES -- TO PROVIDE SOLID SERVICES AND IMPROVE WHAT WE ARE DOING. SOME OF IT IS BEING DONE AROUND THE COUNTY AND REGARDING ADDRESSING VIOLENCE AND REDUCING THE LEVELS OF RISK.

LET ME SEE IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE.

ONE THING I WILL MENTION REALLY QUICKLY IS WE DID -- WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE FORGED A PARTNERSHIP WITH APPLE COMPUTER OUT OF CALIFORNIA. THEY REACHED OUT TO US VIA HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND ARE ACTUALLY FULLY FUNDING AND PROVIDING JOB TRAINING WITH ALL OF THE TECHNICAL PRODUCTS THEY HAVE EXPWH -- AND SOME REALLY GOOD JOBS.

WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THAT AND WE EXPECT THAT TO GET OFF THE GROUND THIS YARY. THIS YEAR.

THERE ARE SOME CHALLENGES WE CONTINUE TO DEAL WITH.

SOME YOU HAVE HEARD ABOUT AND SOME YOU ARE AWARE OF.

CERTAINLY MANAGING COVID-19 IN A RESIDENTIAL SETTING AND WE ARE PROVIDING TREATMENT SERVICES AND SPACE HAS BEEN OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AND LIMITATION.

A COUPLE YEARS AGO THE COMMISSIONERS HAVE FUNDED MOVING FORWARD WITH BUILDING OUT THE NEW FACILITY THAT WILL HELP TREMENDOUSLY WITH THIS, AND ALLOWING ENGINEERING TO GO AHEAD AND CONNECT AN ADDITIONAL DORM SPACE THAT ACTUALLY ALLOWED US TO EXPAND THE PROGRAM AS WELL.

THAT'S CRITICAL. WE DO HAVE CHALLENGES WITH RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION. WE ARE BETTER WITH THAT.

WE ARE MAKING SLIGHT ADJUSTMENTS WITH PAY AND ADDITIONAL ADJUSTMENTS. THAT CERTAINLY IS A CHALLENGE DURING THESE TIMES. PROBATION NEVER SHUTS DOWN.

WE DID NOT SHUTDOWN DURING COVID.

IT IS A HARD JOB FOR THE FRONT LINE STAFF.

THEY ARE HELPING CLIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND THEY ARE VERYIEN -- THEY ARE VERY ENGAGED ON THE FRONT LINES.

THE OTHER THING I EXPECT TO CONTINUE TO BE A CHALLENGE IS TO WORK THROUGH THE BACKLOG ISSUES.

WE ARE MAKING ADJUSTMENTS TO DEAL WITH THIS, BUT I EXPECTED THE DEMAND THAT SOME INVESTIGATION REPORTS WILL CONTINUE TO RISE AS WELL AS SOME OF THE CRITICAL ASSESSMENTS AND THE JUDGES NEED TO RESOLVE THEIR CASES.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK ON THAT.

BRIEFLY MENTION THAT WE STILL HAVE CLIENTS THAT LIVE IN THE FAR NORTH AREA OF HARRIS COUNTY AND SOUTHEASTERN HARRIS COUNTY THAT STRAWING GEL WITH TRANSPORTATION -- STRUGGLE WITH TRANSPORTATION. WE HOPE THAT IS SOMETHING WE CAN WORK THROUGH. IT IS ACTUALLY SOMETHING GNAT LEA WITH -- NATALIE WITH PRE-TRIAL SERVICES MAY BE HELPFUL. NEXT SLIDE.

THESE ARE OUR PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR THE PRIMARY PROGRAMS THAT THE COUNTY HAS BEEN ASSISTING US WITH.

I'M NOT GOING TO READ EVERY OUTPUT.

LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE.

WE CONTINUE TO ACTUALLY INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WE ARE SERVING. THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE RECEIVING TELE PSYCHIATRY SERVICES THAT YOU ARE HELPING WITH IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT. THAT'S ALSO BEEN A VERY GOOD

[03:45:02]

FELONY MENTAL HEALTH COURT. LIKE I SAID, IT IS VITAL.

THIS IS SOME OF OUR HIGHEST RISK INDIVIDUALS THAT SUFFER THE MOST FROM MEN -- MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS.

THAT COURT HAS BEEN CRITICAL IN SERVING THOSE CLIENTS.

AND HELPING THEM REMAIN STABLE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY AND MULTIPLE OTHER ENTITIES.

CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES.

THE RECOVERY COACHES THAT ARE PEER RECOVERY COACHES THAT ARE CERTIFIED AND WE WORK WITH LEONARD AT THE SOBERING CENTER AND NADINE AND WAYNE YOUNG ON PEER NAVIGATORS.

THEY PROVIDE INCREDIBLE SERVICES TO THE CLIENT.

IT HAS BEEN VERY, VERY VALUABLE ESPECIALLY IN A DIFFICULT TIME FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE SUFFERING FROM ADDICTION. DRIVER'S LICENSE RESTORATION IS ALSO A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF WHAT WE DO.

THE COURT PROVIDED MONEY TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES.

IT IS ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING THINGS THE CLIENTS FACE. STAR DRUG COURT, THE JUDGES OPERATE FOR -- LIKE I SAID, IT IS THE HIGHEST ISK ARE INDIVIDUALS AND -- HIGHEST RISK INDIVIDUALS AND THAT CONTINUES TO BE AN IMPORTANT AND HELPFUL PROGRAM.

NEXT SLIDE. THE ONE THING THAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT OUR BUDGET REQUEST THIS YEAR, THIS IS ACTUALLY NOT A NEW PROGRAM OR A NEW FUNDING FROM THE COUNTY. THE COUNTY HAS BEEN ASSISTING THE CSCD AND PAYING FOR POSITIONS THROUGH THE MCARTHUR SAFETY AND JUSTICE CHALLENGE FUND FOR POSITIONS THAT SUPPORT THE RAY SPAWNS SHIV INRICH MEANT FOR CHANGE.

JAD SAYS THAT IS ONE OF THE DOCKET THAT'S HAS BEEN HELPFUL IN REDUCING THE JAIL POPULATION AND THE DATA DO SUPPORT THIS. WHAT IT DID IS IT TAKES ABOUT DARKS DASH -- IT RUNS -- THESE ARE CASES TALKEN OUT OF THE WORKLOAD OF THE 23 DISTRICT COURTS AND WITH A SINGLE FOCUS OF DIVERSION AND HELPING THESE INDIVIDUALS GET THE SERVICES THEY KNEAD AND GET THEIR CASE RESOLVED AND MOFL -- MOVE ON WITH THEIR LIVES. THE 766 IS AN ANNUAL NUMBER.

I UNDERSTAND IT IS ABOUT 470,000 OR SO FOR THE 7-MONTH PERIOD THAT WILL BE IN 2022. THIS HAS BEEN A COST REIMBURSEMENT MODEL THAT THE COUNTY HAS USED.

WE HAVE AN INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

THE AVERAGE COST OF THE COUNTY DEPENDING ON THE CASES BEING FILLED AND OUR ACTUAL COSTS. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE SOME SAVINGS AND STRETCH OUT THE MACARTHUR GRANT MONIES, BUT THEY ARE NOW EXHAUSTED. WE ARE ASKING THAT THAT BE TRANSITIONED TO A MORE PERMANENT FUNDING.

NEXT SLIDE. THIS IS LOOKING AT WHAT THE DOCKET DID -- THE RIC DOCKET AND WHAT IT DID IN 2021 AND WE EXPECT IT TO CONTINUE TO DO SO.

THIS DOCKET ACTUALLY STARTED IN 2016.

OUR AGREEMENT BEGAN IN 2017. SINCE THE INCEPTION IT SERVED UP 24,000 PEOPLE. THAT'S ABOUT A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD OF TIME. IT IS AT THE PRETRIAL PHASE AND EVERY INTR SEPTEMBER POINT AND GETTING -- INTERCEPT POINT. NEW SUPERVISION REPLACEMENTS WERE 1182 AND THAT WAS IN TWO OR THREE MONTHS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR OF COVID. THE RIC DOCUMENT HAS MOVED EFFICIENTLY. WE DO A NUMBER OF ASSESSMENTS AGAIN TO MAKE SURE INDIVIDUALS GET THE TREATMENT THEY NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE FOCUSING ON INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE AT

[03:50:02]

PEOPLE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE PROGRAM AND OVERALL WE ARE SERVING. PART OF THE TREATMENT PROGRAMS ARE FUNDED BY THE STATE. AND IT IS A LITTLE HARD TO AGGREGATE ALL OF THE COST OF THE ASSESSMENTS.

AND IT IS BY FAR ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE PROGRAMS AND IN 2021 WE SERVED 2200 ON OUR CASE LOGS WITH 18 SUPERVISION OFFICERS AND TWO SUPERVISORS. AND WE ALSO PROVIDED A LITTLE OVER 400 INDIVIDUALS OF OUTPATIENT SERVICES.

THERE ARE RECOVERY -- PEER RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES BEING PROVIDED. THE HARRIS CENTER IS PROVIDING SERVICES. THERE ARE MULTIPLE OTHER PARTNERS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM THAT YOU ARE ALL FUNDING VERY MUCH LIKE THE EMERGENCY DOCKETS THAT HELP THE COURT OPERATE. WE ARE PART OF THE COURTROOM TEAM AND WE ARE IN THE COURTROOM WITH THE COURT AND WORKING WITH THE WARRIORS AND THE STAFF AND THE COURTS TO MOVE THE CASES AND KEEP THIS DOCKET ROCKING ALONG.

IT SERVES ABOUT 5,000 PEOPLE A YEAR AND 4800 TO 5,000 AND THAT'S THE SIZE OF A REGULAR FELONY AND COURT DOCKET.

THAT'S THE END OF MY PRESENTATION.

ANY QUESTIONS? LEAN LEAN THANK YOU, DR. MAY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU. GOOD OVERVIEW.

QUICK QUESTION AND REQUEST. AND IF YOU CAN KEEP ME POSTED ON ARNOLD VENTURE STRATEGIES. APPARENTLY THEY HAVE IDEAS.

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THEY ARE AND WHAT YOU ARE PLANNING

TO IMPLEMENT FOR STRATEGIES. >> NO PROBLEM.

>> TOM RAMSEY: IF YOU CAN KEEP ME POSTED I WOULD APPRECIATE

IT. >> WE WILL.

AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THEY -- ACTUALLY WHAT THEY ARE DOING IS FUNDING OUR PROPOSED STRATEGY.

I WILL FILL YOU IN A LOT MORE ON THAT.

IT IS NOT JUST THEIR IDEAS, BUT IT IS THEM AGREEING TO FUND WHAT WE BELIEVE IS KNEADED TO IMPROVE THE OUTCOME. IT CANED OF GOES BEYOND.

I WILL GET YOU DETAILS ON THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THANK YOU. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

LEAN LEAN COMMISSIONERS -- >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONERS ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE WE MOVE TO THE DA? IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT DR. MAY.

FOR ME, JUST TO CLARIFY, THIS HAS BEEN FUNDED THROUGH THE MACARTHUR GRANT SO FAR AND NOW IT WON'T BE SO YOU NEED THIS FUNDING TO KEEP IT GOING OR DID I MISUNDERSTAND?

>> YOU CUT OUT A LITTLE BIT, YOU MEAN FOR THE RIC DOCK?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> BUT IF YOU DON'T FUND IT, THEN IT CAN'T CONTINUE. THE WHOLE POINT IS DIVERSION.

THE STATE HAS THROWN IN SEVERAL MILLION IN SERVICES.

I DON'T SEE HOW THE COULD -- THE COURT COULD OPERATE AT ALL. THE OTHER THING THAT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW IS YOU CAN PULL IT OFF THE SHERIFF'S -- ACTUALLY THE JAIL DASHBOARD. IT IS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS IN JAIL SUBSTANTIALLY AND ON AVERAGE IT IS ABOUT 800 PEOPLE -- 800 TO A THOUSAND PEOPLE PER DAY.

LEAN WHRIEN -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S GOOD TO KNOW. I WANTED TO CLARIFY.

[District Attorney]

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL HEAR FROM DA OGG NEXT.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. GO AHEAD.

>> I AM HERE WITH VIVIEN KING, MAY FIRST ASSISTANT.

WE ARE LOOKING AT PRESENTING THIS TO YOU ALL TODAY.

ALL RIGHT THIS SAYS 2023 AND IT IS ACTUALLY 2022 SINCE THE YEAR IS CHANGING. THE NEXT SLIDE.

[03:55:03]

INCLUDING THE INFERIOR COURTS OF THE COUNTY.

SO WHALE WE HAVE ABOUT 134,000 CASES PENDING, THERE IS ANOTHER 300,000 THAT WE HANDLE FOR JUSTICE COURTS AND ANOTHER 6,000 JUVENILE CASES. ALL OF THOSE COURTS FALL WITHIN MY RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE WE STAFF.

NEXT SLIDE. ADDITIONALLY, IT IS OUR JOB NOT TO JUST CON -- CONVICT, BUT TO SEE THAT JUSTICE IS DONE. AND SO I PUT THESE SLIDES WHERE THEY WERE BECAUSE WE NOTICED THAT IN OUR BUDGET SUMMARY, SOME OF THE COUNTY OBJECTIVES WERE NOT NAMED.

THAT'S BECAUSE -- NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

BECAUSE WHILE WE HAVE A STATUTORY ROLE, WE BELIEVE THAT OUR PRACTICES ALIGN WITH HARRIS COUNTY'S JUSTICE AND SAFETY OBJECTIVES. BUT UNLIKE SOME OF THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS WE ACTUALLY HAVE A STATUTE -- STATITORILY DEFINED ROLE. I THOUGHT THE DIRECTOR OF THE INNOCENCE PROJECT SAYS THE AUTHORITY CHARGED WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE JUSTICE AND THE PROTECTION OF SAFETY PROSECUTOR PLAYS A CENTRAL ROLE IN BALANCING THE SCALES OF JUSTICE OUR OFFICE IS KEY TO EVERY PUBLIC SAFE TEA MEASURE THAT -- SAFE TEA MEASURE THAT THIS COURT HAS TAKEN INCLUDING THE $5.4 MILLION VALENCE INTERRUPTION PROGRAM AND THE 2.1 HARRIS COUNTY TARGETED CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT PLAN AND OUTSIDE THE COUNTY, THE 3.5 MILLION INVESTMENT BY CITY OF HOUSTON SHOT SPOTTER AND WE ARE CRITICAL TO MAKING THE NEW ASSOCIATE JUDGE PLAN WORK AND THE VISITING JUDGE EMERGENCY COURT PLAN WORK IN BOTH FELONY AND MISDEMEANOR. SO BECAUSE WE ARE THE MOVING PARTY AND REARE RESPONSIBLE FOR -- WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION OF EVERY NONFEDERAL CRIMINAL CASE IN HARRIS COUNTY, IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND OUR STAFFING NEEDS. I THINK THAT LAYS THE FOIN DATION FOR OUR BUDGE -- FOUNDATION OF OUR BUDGET REQUEST. NEXT SLIDE.

P -- WE AGREE WITH THE BUDGET AND SAFETY OBJECT -- OBJECTIVES. SUPPORT VICTIMS IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS AND LESSEN EXPOSURE TO THE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WE BELIEVE THE ADULT JUSTICE SYSTEM AND REDUCE RACIAL AND ECONOMIC BIAS. WHILE THESE ARE GOALS AND WORE THEA OF THE COUNTY, THEY ARE NOT -- THEY ARE NOT OUR JOB.

OUR JOB IS TO REPRESENT PEOPLE IN THE COURT IN ALL CRIMINAL MATTERS IN HARRIS COUNTY. NEXT SLIDE.

WE SERVE FIVE MILLION PEOPLE. THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 185,000 CASES REPORTED OF CRIME VIA LENT OR AND WE ARE SERVING 87 LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WITH 13,000 OFFICERS WHO INVESTIGATE AND FILE CASES.

WE FILE ANNUALLY 85,000 CASES, JUVENILE ABOUT 6,000 CASES.

AND WE HAVE 360 PROSECUTORS. WHILE THIS BUDGET PROPOSAL EMPHASIZES THE NEED FOR STAFF, PROSECUTORS ARE THE PRIMARY FOCUS BECAUSE THAT'S WHO DRIVES THE JUSTICE SYSTEM.

WE ARE UNDERSTAFFED. ACCORDING TO THREE STUDIES, BOTH JMI AND THE TSU AND THE PFM STUDY WE ARE UNDERSTAFFED. MORE IMPORTANTLY WHEN IT COMES TO O'DONNELL I RECALL JUDGE ROSS SEN -- ROSENTHALL THAT MONEY ALLOCATED BY THE COUNTY TO IMPLEMENT O'DONNELL THAT THE D.A.'S OFFICE SHOULD AND WOULD BE FUNDED APPROPRIATELY TO DEAL WITH THE ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF SO MANY MORE INDIVIDUALS OUT ON BAIL. UNFORTUNATELY THERE HAS BEEN NO ALLOCATION IN THAT AREA IN SPITE OF MANY NEW RESPONSIBILITIES DEALING WITH OFFENDERS AND BAIL HEARINGS.

[04:00:02]

THE 360 LAWYERS AND THE 440 OR SO SUPPORT STAFF DESERVE THE APPRECIATION OF EVERY HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS.

IN SPITE OF COVID AND IN SPITE OF HARVEY AND IN SPITE OF MANY, MANY CHALLENGES, THEY HAVE WORKED DAY AND NIGHT AS ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEES TO CARRY ON THE DUTIES AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT THE STATUTE STATUTES REQUIRE OF US. THEY ARE ESSENTIAL BECAUSE UNLIKE MANY COUNTY EMPLOYEES THEY COULD NOT STAY HOME AND ADEQUATELY DO THEIR JOB. MANY OF US WERE HERE THROUGH THE ENTIRE PANDEMIC. I JUST WANT TO THANK OUR STAFF. THEY HAVE EARNED OUR GRATITUDE. THAT CONTINUOUS SERVICE INCLUDES D.A. INTAKE THAT OPERATES 24/7, MUCH LIKE AN EMERGENCY ROOM. WE VIGOROUSLY REVIEW THE CASES PRESENTED BY POLICE OFFICERS. WE'LL GET TO MORE ON THAT IN A MOMENT. WE OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS HAVE INRAYSED OUR VICTIM SERVICES -- INCREASED OUR VICTIM SERVICES FROM 2021. OUR MENTAL HEALTH PROSECUTORS ALONG WITH THOSE WHO WORKED WITH WAYNE YOUNG AND AT THE TIME THE PREVIOUS COUNTY JUDGE AND SINCE THEN OF COURSE, YOU, JUDGE HIDALGO, AND OTHERS TO DIVERT OVER 4,000 NONVIOLENT OFFENDERS PRE-CHARGE. THEY ARE ALREADY IN THE BACK OF THE POLICE CAR, BUT INSTEAD OF GOING TO JAIL THEY GO TO THE RESPITE CENTER, THE DIVERSION CENTER AT WAY SIDE AND 610. FOR EVERY DOLLAR SPENT ON THE PROGRAM, THE COST INCURRED WOULD HAVE BEEN FIVE TIMES THAT AMOUNT BY THE COUNTY. IT IS A PROGRAM WORTHY OF NATIONAL RECOGNITION. OUR JUVENILE DIVERSION PROGRAMS WHICH HAVE REDUCED OUR FILINGS FROM APPROXIMATELY 11,000 CASES PER YEAR IS DOWN TO ABOUT 6,000.

IN SHORT, IT IS ALMOST ALL FELONIES NOW THAT ARE BEING FILED AGAINST INDIVIDUALS UNDER 17.

EVERYONE ELSE IS BEING DIVERTED THROUGH TREATMENT AND OTHER TYPES OF PROGRAMS THAT ARE DESIGNED TO CHANGE BEHAVIOR WITHOUT LEAVING THEM WITH THE DAMAGE THAT INTERSECTION WITH THE JUSTICE SYSTEM CAN PRODUCE.

OUR PROSECUTORS IN OUR RESTITUTION CENTER CREATED BY MS. KING HAVE COLLECTED OVER $30 MILLION IN FIVE YEARS FOR CRIME VICTIMS. THIS WAS A CHRONIC ISSUE FOR THE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS PREVIOUSLY AND THE FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND MAINLY THE DIRECT SERVICE PROVIDED TO CRIME VICTIMS THROUGH RECOMPENSING THEM HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC. AND IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ALL OF THE POLICE CHIEFS IN HARRIS COUNTY, WE DO NOT PROSECUTE MARIJUANA CASES. WE ARE DOWN FROM ABOUT 12,000, A HIGH OF THAT IN ABOUT 2012 TO JUST UNDER 200 CASES LAST YEAR. ALL SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE OR COMMERCIAL AMOUNT DELIVERY CASES.

ALONG WITH WHAT MS. MAY BROUGHT YOU WITH REGARD TO THE RIC COURT, WE ROUTINELY DIVERT THOUSANDS OF FELONY DRUG OFFENDERS THROUGH THAT COURT AND ARE ONE OF THEIR MOST GRATEFUL PARTNERS. INCLUDING A JUDGE WHO IS HANDLING THE CASES AND WE HAVE NOT SEEN A CRITICAL IMPACT ON THE PUBLIC SAFETY AS A RESULT OF ANY OF THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS. IN FACT, WE MUST DELIVER WHILE NOT NEGATIVELY IMPACTING THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND THAT'S WHAT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS SHOW. NEXT SLIDE.

[04:05:01]

AND OUR EFFORTS CREATED A DEFENSE PORTAL THAT WAS DEVELOPED TO DELIVER EVIDENCE ELECTRONICALLY TO THE DEFENSE BAR. WE HAVE DEVELOPED NEW TECHNOLOGY THAT ASSISTS VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIME IN TERMS OF REACHING THEM AND PROVIDING ASSISTANCE.

AN E-FILING SYSTEM HAS BEEN DEVELOPED THAT ELECTRONICALLY ALLOWS US TO FILE ALL COURT DOCUMENTS WITH THE DISTRICT CLOIRK WHO IS -- CLERK WHO HAS BEEN AN OUTSTANDING PARTNER FOR US. AN E-CHART SYSTEM THAT WAS DEVELOPED TO ELECTRONICALLY FILE CHARGES AT INTAKE AND A FUTURE IN E-PORTALS WHERE WE CAN RECEIVE BODY CAM EVIDENCE, 9-1-1 EVIDENCE AND OTHER DIGITALLY-PRESERVED EVIDENCE AND DELIVER IT ALMOST INSTANTLY TO THE DEFENSE.

WHAT YOU'VE HEARD TODAY ABOUT THE DELAYS IN EVIDENCE, THIS ALONE COULD HAVE THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON TIME TO DISPOSITION IN TERMS OF OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

I WANT TO THANK OUR TECHNOLOGY GURUS WHO WORKED WELL WITH UNIVERSAL SERVICES AND ALL OF THE OTHER AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR RECORDKEEPING AND INFORMATION SHARING.

NEXT SLIDE. WE ARE NOT WITHOUT CHALLENGES. THERE ARE MANY.

PREDOMINANTLY EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION JUST LIKE YOU HEARD FROM THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY D.A.'S OFFICE.

WHILE WE ARE ASKING FOR MORE POSITIONS, WE WANT THIS COURT TO KNOW THAT IT TAKES A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT, MONEY AND TRAINING AND SUPERVISION TO NOT JUST RECRUIT, BUT TO TRAIN LAWYERS TO A DEGREE THAT THEY CAN ADEQUATELY REPRESENT THE PUBLIC IN SERIOUS CRIMINAL CASES.

AND WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED AS WE WATCH OUR WORLD AND OUR MARKETPLACE CHANGE SINCE COVID IS THAT OUR STARTING SALARIES FOR OUR LAWYERS SIMPLY ARE NOT COMPETITIVE LOCALLY.

EVEN MONTGOMERY AND FORT BEND COUNTIES, TWO VERY DIFFERENT PLACES, PAY SUBSTANTIALLY MORE HIGHER STARTING SALARIES TO THEIR RECRUITS THAN WE DO. AND THEY ENJOY FAR SMALLER CASE LOADS. THE QUALITY OF LIFE THAT OUR PROSECUTORS GIVE UP TO WORK HERE FOR THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED. I CAN TELL YOU THAT CRIME VICTIMS EVERYWHERE AND THOSE OF US WHO WORK IN THE OFFICE KNOW THE SACRIFICES THAT OUR PROSECUTORS MAKE.

WE ARE GRIOTFUL. GRATEFUL.

JAW -- LOGISTICALLY AFTER HARVEY WE HAVE REMAINED IN SEVEN BUILDINGS THAT REDUCES THE EFFICIENCY OF THE COURTS.

MANY OF OUR PROSECUTORS HAVE TO TRAVEL BACK AND FOURTH FROM A REMOTE LOCATION DAILY JUST TO GET TO COURT.

BUT WE DO WANT TO THANK METRO FOR THE ACCOMMODATIONS THAT THEY HAVE MADE IN WORKING WITH US AND GETTING OUR PROSECUTORS BACK AND FORTH. OTHER PARTIES IN OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM DO NOT GENERALLY FACE THIS TRAVEL TIME.

THE BIGGEST PROBLEM I THINK ARE THE UNMANAGEABLE CASE LOADS. IN TERMS OF WHAT THIS DOES TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE GIVEN WE ARE LICENSED PROFESSIONALS POSE ETHICAL DUTIES THAT DEMAND JUSTICE IN EVERY SINGLE CASE. IT'S SIMPLY A BOTTLENECK TO BURDEN LAWYERS WITH ABOUT 800 CASES APIECE IN FELONY COURT AND A THOUSAND APIECE IN MISDEMEANOR COURT.

NO PROFESSIONAL SHOULD EVER BE ASKED TO RISK THEIR LICENSE BECAUSE THERE SIMPLY AREN'T ENOUGH OTHER EMPLOYEES TO DO THE WORK. AND THE RESULT FOR THE PUBLIC IS THAT THE CASES ARE ARTIFICIALLY BOTTLENECKED IN THE COURTS. CERTAINLY NOT ALL OF THAT IS

[04:10:02]

IT IS BECAUSE WE HAVE SEEN FAR FEWER PLACES AVAILABLE BY THE COUNTY TO SELECT JURIES FROM. AND OTHER REASONS THAT THAT WE THINK REALLY NEED THIS COURT COURT'S ATTENTION.

THE CONCERN OF THE PUBLIC WHEN IT COMES TO PUBLIC SAFETY IS AT A ZENITH. AND AGAIN BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEXITY OF DISCOVERY REQUIREMENTS AND THE DELAY IN EVIDENCE DELIVERY AND TO KNOW THE CURRENT PERMANENT RESOLUTION OF THE JURY TRIAL ISSUE COMES FEBRUARY WHEN THE RODEO TAKES OVER IN NRG. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE HARD-FOUGHT GAINS WE HAVE MADE IN COMBATING THE BACKLOG AND REDUCING IT FROM OVER 150,000 CASES TO NOW ABOUT 134,000 CASES WILL BE QUICKLY LOST. IT IS ABSENT RESOLUTION OF SOME OF THESE MAJOR CHALLENGES.

FINALLY WE HAVE BEEN REQUESTING -- NOT SUCCESSFUL YET, BUT WE ARE PITCHING IT AGAIN, BUT WE HAVE A NUMBER OF VICTIM SERVICE POSITIONS FUNDED BY GRANTS WHERE THE FUNDING AGENCY EXPECTS THE GOVERNMENT AFTER A CERTAIN NUMBER OF YEARS TO PICK UP THE FUNDING FOR PROGRAMS IF THEY WORK. WE KNOW THAT OUR VICTIM SERVICES WORKS BECAUSE WE HAVE SEEN SO MANY MORE VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIME. WHICH GIVEN THE RISE IN CRIME RATES HAS BEEN A VERY GOOD THING.

SO TO FAIL TO MEET THAT MATCH NOW THAT THOSE GRANTS ARE DECLINING AND IN FACT GOING AWAY EFFECTIVELY DEFUNDS VICTIM SERVICES. I WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONERS CAGLE AND RAMSEY WHO CAME OVER TO SEE OUR VICTIM SERVICES DIVISION. I BELIEVE THE FORE SHERIFF AND NOW COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS WELL AWARE OF THE SERVICES OF VICTIM SERVICES. WE INVITE YOU JUDGE, AND YOU COMMISSIONER ELLIS TO VISIT WITH OUR VICTIMS ASSISTANCE COORDINATORS WHO CAN REALLY SHARE SOME OF THE SUFFERING THAT THE VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIMES SHARE WITH THEM.

THEIR EXPECTATIONS AND THEIR DISAPPOINTMENTS AND FRUSTRATIONS. NEXT SLIDE.

THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE DOESN'T CONTROL THE CRIME RATE JOUST AS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DOESN'T CONTROL THE NUMBER OF FIRES. POLICE ARE CALLED BY THE RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY WHEN THE CRIMES ARE COMMITTED AGAINST THEM. THE POLICE INVESTIGATE AND WHEN THEY HAVE A SUSPECT IN CUSTODY OR DETERMINE WHO SHOULD BE ARRESTED FOR CRIME THEY CONTACT US.

IN MOST OTHER JURISDICTIONS IN THE COUNTRY AND IN TEXAS POLICE SIMPLY JAIL INDIVIDUALS AND LEAVE THE CASES FOR THE PROSECUTORS TO LOOK AT LATER. THIS USED TO RESULT IN PEOPLE BEING KEPT FOR INORDINATE PERIODS OF TIME IN TEXAS WITHOUT REPRESENTATION. AND IT WAS WRONG.

FORTUNATELY IN HARRIS COUNTY OUR 24/HOUR D.A. IN -- INTAKE SYSTEM ALLOWS FOR A REVIEW OF THE OFFICERS'S PRELIMINARY CASE PRIOR TO JAILING A DEFENDANT.

THIS SCRUTINY CERTAINLY HELPS MAKE OUR SYSTEM AND HAS MADE OUR SYSTEM MORE EFFICIENT THAN OTHERS FOR THE LAST 50 YEARS.

MOST WRIENTLY WITH THE PUBLIC -- MOST RECENTLY WITH THE PUBLIC'S DISWREN -- GENUINE FEAR OF VIOLENT CRIME WE STUDIED WHAT IS DRIVING THE MOST SERIOUS CRIMES IN HARRIS COUNTY AND WE HAVE IDENTIFIED THREE CRIME DRIVERS.

JUDGE, I HAVE HEARD YOU UTILIZE THAT TERM BEFORE.

YOU KNOW IT CAME FROM THE MANHATTAN DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WHERE THEY REDUCED CRIME TO ITS LOWEST RATE IN ABOUT 50 YEARS OVER THE LAST 10 OR SO USING THIS THEORY OF THE THEY IDENTIFY WHO AND WHAT IS DRIVING THE VIOLENT CRIME RATE. AND IN HARRIS COUNTY, WE HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE THREE PRIMARY DRIVERS MAKING OUR HOMICIDE RATE AS TERRIBLE AS IT IS.

OVER 611 PEOPLE MURDERED IN THIS COUNTY IN 2021.

THEY ARE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, GANG VIOLENCE AND REPEAT VIOLENT OFFENDERS. REPEATED MEANING GENERALLY OUT ON BAIL AND DESPITE HAVING BEEN CHARGED WITH A PRIOR VIOLENT OFFENSE FOR WHICH THEY ARE OUT ON BAIL OR SIMPLY

[04:15:04]

THIS REQUIRES FUNDING. WE CERTAINLY ARE AWARE OF THE CHALLENGES THAT THE COURT IS UNDER FINANCIALLY, BUT WITH PUBLIC SAFETY BEING FIRST OBLIGATION OF GOVERNMENT, TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS AND TO KEEP THEM FROM BEING VICTIMIZED BY THOSE WHO WOULD THROUGH BRUTE FORCE TAKE AND DO WHAT THEY WANT WITH THOSE OF US WHO DO FOLLOW THE LAW, WE THINK THAT IT IS THIS COURT'S DUTY TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER THIS REQUEST. NEXT SLIDE.

HOW ARE WE GOING TO DO IT? WE ARE ASKING YOU FOR $1.7 MILLION TO ADD TO OUR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VERTICAL PROSECUTION DIVISION. THE CASES THEY HANDLE RANGE FROM A PUNCH IN THE FACE TO LITERAL TORTURE AND HOMICIDE BY INTIMATE PARTNERS AND THOSE WHO SHARE HOUSEHOLDS.

THIS INCLUDES ALSO AN INCREASE IN ELDERLY -- CRIMES AGAINST THE ELDERLY AND CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN.

WE BELIEVE THAT BY BRINGING SPECIALTY PROSECUTORS TO THE PROBLEM AND CONSOLIDATING THESE CASES MUCH AS MS. MAY DISCUSSED CONSOLIDATING THE DRUG POSSESSION CASE THAT'S WE WILL GET MORE CONSISTENT RESULTS AND ACTUALLY REDUCE, WE HOPE, THE NUMBER OF VIOLENT CRIMES COMMITTED BY DOMESTIC PARTNERS. NEXT SLIDE.

WE WANT TO PERMANENTLY INCREASE THE POLICE INTAKE PROSECUTORS. THANKS TO COMMISSIONER GARCIA, HE MOVED LAST YEAR TO PROVIDE US MORE STAFF AT INTAKE.

BUT UNFORTUNATELY, COMMISSIONER, WHAT WE HAVE SEEN IS BECAUSE THE POSITIONS ARE TEMPORARY, IT IS DIFFICULT TO RETAIN PEOPLE. IT TOOK ALMOST SIX MONTHS JUST TO HIRE THE 15 WHO WOULD SERVE AT INTAKE OVER THE WEEKEND OR AT NIGHT. THESE ARE MORE DIFFICULT POSITIONS TO FILL. THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL, AND WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE THE FUNDING YOU WERE ABLE TO DIRECT OUR WAY. NOW WE NEED TO ASK YOU TO MAKE IT PERMANENT. WE ARE LOOKING FOR 24 PROSECUTORS AND 24 SUPPORT STAFF AT $2.7 MILLION.

AGAIN, WITH THE NEW RESPONSIBILITIES RELATED TO BAIL WHICH WE RECEIVED NO NEW PROSECUTORS AND BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF SENATE BILL 6 AND THE INCREASED NUMBER OF ARREST AND SEARCH WARRANTS REQUIRED BY POLICE FOR INVESTIGATIONS, THE INCREASED NUMBER OF CASES REVIEWED FOR PRE CHARGE DIVERSION TO MENTAL HEALTH AND DRUG TREATMENT, AND THE NUMBER OF POLICE, FEWER POLICE EVER ON THE STREETS HAVING TO HOLD TOO LONG. INSTEAD THEY COULD BE GOING TO THE NEXT CALL IF WE SIMPLY HAD A PERMANENT STAFF SUFFICIENT TO ANSWER THEIR CALLS TIMELY INSTEAD OF MAKING THEM WAIT 10, 15, 20, 30 MINUTES. NEXT SLIDE.

FINALLY, PROSECUTORS TO PROSECUTE VIOLENT OFFENDERS.

OUR COURTS ARE SUFFERING UNDER HUGE CASE LOADS.

IN FACT, THE CRIMINAL CASE LOAD HAS INCREASED 149% SINCE AUGUST OF 2017. THE CRIMINAL CASE BACKLOG WHICH IS THE NUMBER OF CASES CARRIED FORWARD FROM ONE YEAR TO THE NEXT TRIPLED, AND YET THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTORS HAVE NOT INCREASED. CASE LOADS ARE UNTENABLE.

THE SITUATION FOR THE PUBLIC IS AWFUL.

CAREER CRIMINALS ON MULTIPLE BONDS TERRORIZE NEIGHBORHOODS AND TOURISTS AND SHOPPING AREAS.

THIS IS TERRIBLE FOR OUR CITY.

WE WANT TO AND WITH SUFFICIENT STAFFING COULD PROCESS THESE CASES FASTER. WE KNOW THE JUDGES ARE SEEKING MORE JURY TRIALS AND WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF MULTIPLE VENUES. COURT ARE USING EMERGENCY COURTS AND ASSOCIATE JUDGES, THESE ARE ALL MULTIPLE VENUES THAT THREE PROSECUTORS ASSIGNED TO A TRIAL COURT

[04:20:02]

POLICE OFFICERS EVERYWHERE FROM SMALL VENUES, YOU KNOW, SOUTH TO OUR LARGEST VENUE HPD, OUR LARGEST POLICE AGENCY. WE HEAR ABOUT THE FRUSTRATION OF POLICE OFFICERS ARRESTING THE SAME PEOPLE OVER AND OVER AND OVER. WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN IS THESE INDIVIDUALS NEED TO GET TO TRIAL.

WE NEED A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF PEOPLE TO HANDLE THE DOCKETS AND GO TO TRIAL. AND WE SIMPLY CAN'T BE IN THREE PLACES AT ONCE.

AND IT MEANS WE HAVE TO RECRUIT LIKE CRAZY FROM THE LAW SCHOOLS. WE HAVE PLANNED FOR THAT.

NOW WE NEED THE FUNDING. >>> NEXT SLIDE. >>> FINALLY, WE NEED TO INCREASE THE NUMBER SERVICE PROFESSIONALS BY FUNDING WHAT WAS PREVIOUSLY FUNDED BY THE SAFETY AND JUSTICE MACARTHUR GRANT, WHICH WERE VICTIMS ASSISTANCE COORDINATORS.

WE LOST FIVE. WE NEED TO MAKE THOSE CURRENTLY FUNDED TO KEEP UP WITH THE CURRENT LEVEL OF SERVICING, GIVEN THE RISING CRIME RATE. EVEN THOUGH WE CONTACTED 19,000 CRIME VICTIMS, THERE ARE SO MAN MORE WHO NEED SERVICES. THAT COST: $274,000.

>>> NEXT SLIDE. >>> OUR TRIAGE PROGRAM. I THINK YOU HAVE HEARD FROM OUR PARTNERS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTIC SYSTEM, THE COURTS, THE PROBATION DEPARTMENT, PRETRIAL SERVICES. THIS BACKLOG IS HURTING THE CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS OF HARRI COUNTY. AND THE RESULTS ARE HURTING THE EMPLOYEES.

WE CAN KEEP WORKING OVERTIME ON THIS TRIAGE PROGRAM. YOU CAN SEE WE HAVE MADE A 13,000 CASE REDUCTION IN THE LAST FIVE MONTHS. THERE ARE MANY THINGS WE DON'T CONTROL. WE DON'T CONTROL THE RESPONSE O THE DEFENSE BAR TO OUR OFFERS.

WE DO NOT CONTROL BAIL. AND WE DON'T CONTROL CASE SCHEDULING.

BUT, NEVERTHELESS, REVIEWING AL VIOLENT, NONVIOLENT, HIS DEMEANOR, AND FELONY CASES HELP US SIGNAL TO THE COURT THAT WE ARE READY FOR TRIAL BY PUSHING AN OFFER THAT IS VISIBLE TO THE DEFENSE. AND WHEN I SAY PUSHING IT YOU CAN PUSHING IT THROUGH THE PORTAL, THE DISCOVERY PORTAL. WHETHER THEY RESPOND IS UP TO THEM.

16,000 CASES IS SOMETHING THAT ALL OF THE JUDGES, COURT STAFF, ALL OF THE SUPPORT STAFF IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM, AND ESPECIALLY OUR PROSECUTORS, DESERVE RECOGNITION AND OUR THANKS.

>>> THE PROBLEM WITH OVERTIME IS IT CAN'T GO FOREVER. OUR ATTORNEY, OUR SUPPORT STAFF OUR INVESTIGATORS, WILL BURN OU BECAUSE OF THIS WAS MONEY THAT ORIGINALLY WAS PART OF OUR BUDGET, AND WE REQUESTED IT BAC ONCE IT WAS TAKEN BY COMMISSIONER SUPPORT.

YOU HAVE DONE THAT AND I SEE WE NOW HAVE A NEW CONSULTANT WHO HAS —- IS GOING TO COME ON AND EVALUATE OUR PROGRESS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THEIR ASSISTANCE.

>>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> NEXT SLIDE DONGLE. >>> AND, FINALLY, ON SUMMARY, WE ARE LOOKING FOR 82 NEW DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. WE WANT TO ADDRESS HOMICIDE AND VIOLENCE CAUSED BY REPEAT PILOT DEFENDERS. WE WANT TO ADDRESS DOMESTIC VIOLENT CRIMES TO BE WANT TO PROVIDE PERMANENT STAFF FOR DA INTAKE.

WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO HELP VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIME, AND W WANT TO AID OUR OTHER PARTNERS

[04:25:04]

STREETS. >>> OUR TOTAL ASK IS $13 MILLION.

I'VE SEEN YOUR NUMBERS. I HAVE LISTENED TO MR. BARRY. I CONTINUE TO URGE THAT SUCCESS OF YOUR JUSTICE SYSTEM IN LARGE PART DEPEND ON ADEQUATE STA STAFFING, OR THE MOVING PARTY REBUTTAL FOR APPEARING IN THE PITIFUL COURSE OF HARRIS COUNTY AND FOR SEEING THAT JUSTICE IS DONE, NOT JUST CONVICTING IN EVERY SINGLE CASE. THANK YOU ALL.

>> THANK YOU, DA. GO-AHEAD, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> METAL, DA, THANK YOU FOR YOU

PRESENTATION AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK YOU AND YOUR STAFF DO. >>> QUICK QUESTION BECAUSE I

WANT TO —- ECHOING —- >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA, JUST SO YOU KNOW, THERE IS SOME SORT OF ECHO. I DON'T KNOW IF ONE OF YOUR STAFF MAYBE HAS IT ON AS WELL.

WEEK CONTINUE FINE, IT IS JUST LITTLE ECHO. >> GO-AHEAD, COMMISSIONER GA

GARCIA. >> OKAY, HOW IS THAT? P THAT'S MUCH BETTER HE'S ALL RIGHT, MADE HIM DA, THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION AND THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU AND YOUR TEAM DOES. AND THANK YOU FOR COMING DOWN T HAVE THOSE MEETINGS WITH FOLKS OVER IN MY BUILDING AND TRYING TO WORK SOME OF THESE ISSUES. HE JUST REMINDED ME ABOUT TRYIN TO BE IN MANY PLACES ALL AT O ONCE. DID WE EVER WORK THROUGH THE ISSUE REFERRED TO AS SCHEDULING ORDERS? DID THAT EVER GET ADDRESSED OR FIXED OR GET ATTENTION YET? I KNOW WE TALKED ABOUT IT AT ON TIME.

MAN, YOU ARE MUTED. >> THANKS FOR THE PROMPT, COMMISSIONER.

NO, THE COURTS HAVE NEVER —- TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THEY HAVE NOT SHARED WITH US ANY SCHEDULING ORDER. I KNOW THAT GEORGE JOHNSON PRESENTED THAT THEY WERE WORKIN ON IT BUT WE HAVE NOT SEEN THAT HUNGER AND THE ISSUE IS THAT AL COURTS THAT WE PRACTICE IN FRON OF IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS AND ALL OF THE OTHER COURTS IN THE CRIMINAL COURTS IN HIS COUNTY USE THESE SCHEDULING ORDERS. IT UTILIZES NONCRITICAL, U UNHYPOTENSIVE SETTINGS THAT DON'T INVOLVE A TRIAL FOR SOME KIND OF CONTESTED HEARING. WE CONTINUE TO LOOK FORWARD TO THE COURTS IF THEY CHOOSE TO DO THAT BECAUSE IT WOULD REALLY MAKE OUR SYSTEM MUCH MORE EFFICIENT. AND WITH CERTAIN TRIAL DATES, YOU KNOW, OR JUDGES ARE GOOD AT HOLDING EVERYBODY'S FEET TO THE FIRE, INCLUDING THE PROSECUTORS AND SO IT WOULD IT ESTABLISH CERTAINTY FOR US IN TERMS OF SCHEDULING AND ALSO CUT DOWN IN A GREAT DEAL OF UNNECESSARY W WORK. MANY TIMES FOR SKILLSET MANY CASES FOR TRIAL ON A CERTAIN DA KNOWING THEY CAN ONLY TRY ONE, HOPING, OF COURSE, TO DISPOSE O OTHERS.

AND THE PROBLEM IS IT RATES A TWO-MINUTE WANT OF STAFF, POWER MONEY, AND IT INCONVENIENCES VICTIMS AND WITNESSES TO COME T COURT, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY COM FROM OUT OF TOWN FOR A TRIAL SETTING, AND THEN NOT BEACH THA TRIAL SETTING. SO WE LOOK FORWARD TO THAT SCHEDULING ORDER IF THE JUDGES CHOOSE TO DO IT PLEASE AND IN THE SCHEDULING ORDER PAUSING PROCESS, ALL OF THAT HAS TO COM FROM THE JUDGES? IS IT THE COURT —-

>> JUDGE'S SCHEDULE, COMMISSIONER. JUDGES ARE IN COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE CASE SCHEDULING, AND SO WE ARE WE ARE IN A SENSE THAT'S TOTALLY REQUIRED TO BE THERE.

>> GOT YOU. >>> AND THE OTHER QUESTION BECAUSE I KNOW IT ALSO TRIED TO PUT INTO ULTRA —- [INDISCERNIBLE] THE TEMPORARY BUT IF YOU ARE STILL CHALL CHALLENGING, I CAN APPRECIATE THAT YOU ARE ASKING SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE ASKING SOMEONE SOMEWHERE TO GO DOWN THERE PRACTICE TO JOIN YOUR OFFICE BU THEY ARE NOT LIKELY.

IF THEY ARE LOOKING AT APPLYING FOR A TEMPORARY POSITION. HOW MANY OF THOSE POSITIONS THA

ARE FLAGGED AS TEMPORARY DO YOU HAVE? >>> TWENTY-TWO, ACCORDING TO MS.

>> IT IS 22 AND IN CAKE BUT IT IS —- INTAKE BUT OVERALL WITH THE CREATION OF THE NEW MADE

[04:30:12]

AND WE HAVE GONE OVER IT WITH THE BUDGET OFFICE, GC PARTICULARLY.

>> THANK YOU YES, COMMISSIONER FRAMES AND THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

>> —- ECHOING. >>> I JUST KNOW WEEK —- I KNO THERE IS A LOT OF BLOOD FOR THOSE THEIR —- 1 FOOT OUT THERE —.

>>> BUT GETTING BACK TO THE COMET ON O'DONNELL, THERE —- >> 97 MILLION —-

>> NONE OF IT HAS COME THAT WAY. >> WE'RE STILL TRYING TO FIGHT IT ON OUR END.

BUT IT IS CLEAR THAT YOU BEEN IMPACTED BY THIS AS WELL. AND DO YOU HAVE A NUMBER ABOUT

HOW MUCH YOU HAVE BEEN IMPACTED ON O'DONNELL? >>> NO, I CAN TELL YOU THAT PAR OF THE CASE BACKLOG RESULTS FRO THE NONAPPEARANCE OF PEOPLE IN COURTS.

I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH. THOSE NUMBERS ARE VERY UNCLEAR RIGHT NOW IN TERMS OF WHO HAS FAILED TO ACTUALLY SHOW UP FOR COURT IN THE WAY THAT'S REC RECORDED.

BUT WHAT THAT DOES IS IT IN A SENSE MAKES YOU REINVENT THE WHEEL ALMOST EVERY TIME THEY AR RE-ARRESTED ON AND SO WE FIND OURSELVES PERFORMING A LOT OF THE SAME WORK OVER AND OVER WIT INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ARRESTED AN THEN RELEASED, ARRESTED AND RELEASED.

OF COURSE, THE HEARINGS AND REVOCATION HEARINGS, WHICH IS PART OF OUR JOB AS WELL, THEY ALL TAKE TIME IN THE COURTS. AND I THINK WE ARE HAPPY TO ACCOMMODATE THOSE OF THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. WE JUST NEED ENOUGH PEOPLE TO D THAT, TRY THE CASES AND MEET OU

OTHER OBLIGATIONS. >> WE GET REPORTS DAILY OR ALMOST WEEKLY ON THE OTHER IMPACTS TO OUR BACKLOG, AND WE KNOW HOW IMPORTANT ROLE ROLE IN YOUR STAFF'S RELIGION THAT, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE IF WE CAN DO TO CONTINUE TO GET YOU RESOURCES.

>>> I WOULD ALSO JUST SIMPLY SAY, FROM MY PICTURE, HAVING RU A BUSINESS FOR 35 YEARS, I DON' UNDERSTAND TEMPORARY POSITIONS. SO WHEN THEY TELL YOU TO GO GET SOME TEMPORARY POSITIONS, THANK YOU FOR TRYING. I UNDERSTAND THAT THAT'S A DIFFICULT THING TO DO.

I DON'T REALLY SEE HOW THAT WORKS ON WHAT YOU DO ANY MORE THAN ENGINEERING SO WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRESS ON, TRY TO FIND SOME GOOD RESOURCES OUT THERE, WHICH WE WILL DO THE SAM PLEASE EXCELLENT, THANK YOU. WE'VE GOT A GOOD RECRUITING PAN WITH THE NIGHT TEAM THAT ALLOW SCHOOLS AROUND TEXAS, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO FILLING THE POSITION THAT WE HAVE AND, OF COURSE, WE ARE SEEKING MORE POSITIONS BECAUSE WE REALLY BELIEVE THAT PUBLIC SAFETY IS NUMBER ONE IN PEOPLE'S MINDS. THIS ONLY GET CALLED ABOUT. I FEEL CERTAIN ANY OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS ARE CONTACTING YOU ALL'S OFFICE TOO LONG AND IT IS THE SUFFERING OF VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIME THAT I AM SO CONCERNED ABOUT. AND WE APPRECIATE YOUR CONCERN AND YOUR SUPPORT. IF I CAN JUST ADD: ONE OF THE THINGS WE WILL REALLY BE PUSHIN FOR IT TO START TO INCREASE OUR STARTING SALARY. WE ARE ABOUT $2,000 LESS THAN MONTGOMERY COUNTY. WE JUST LOST SOMEBODY FROM ONE, RECOUNTED JUST STARTED IN JULY BECAUSE THEY CAN MAKE $70,000 SETTING WHERE OURS IS $66,000 AND HAVE A MUCH, MUCH, SMALLER CASELOAD, EMMA AND A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT FOR US TO COMPETE WITH FORT BEND AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY AND WHAT THEY PAID FOR THAN IF THEY ARE ALL I ONE BUILDING, ALL IN A CRIMINAL COURT BUILDING AND, YOU KNOW, THEY DON'T HAVE THE LOGISTICS ISSUES ARE GOING A MILE AND A HALF BACK AND FORTH, LIKE OUR MISDEMEANOR PROSECUTORS HAVE TO DO. SO WE NEED HELP TO BE NOT EVERYBODY IS WAY TO HELP US, WE JUST DON'T WANT YOU GUYS TO FORGET ABOUT US. WE HAVE BEEN DISPLACED OR FOUR

AND A HALF YEARS. >> COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> IF I COULD GET THE DA TO TUR THAT UTAHN FOR A SECOND, I'LL JUST HIT MY THREE QUESTION AREA AND YOU COULD TURN THE SPEAKER

[04:35:06]

THE 17-PAGE SET OF SLIDES WAS PACKED FULL OF LOTS OF INFORMATION, AND YOU GET IT TO US BEFORE THE BUDGET HEARING, AND SO I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THAT.

SOME OF THE SLIDES WILL BE GETTING AFTER THE HEARING IS OVER WITH, AND IT IS NICE HAVIN THEM IN MY HEAD AS YOU ARE GOIN THROUGH THOSE, SO THANK YOU FOR THAT.

>>> ON PAGE NINE, SLIDE NINE, IS SOMETHING THAT MS. ASSISTANT DA KING JUST JUMPED INTO, WHICH IS THE SALARY PROBLEM. YOU HAVE HEARD ME SAY THIS BEFORE THAT, FOR JUSTICE TO OCCUR, IF IT IS DELAYED IT IS DENIED. AND IN ORDER FOR A CASE TO BE TRIED, YOU HAVE TO HAVE THEM TO SIZE AND IS READY YOU GOT TO HAVE THE DEFENSE TO BE READY, AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE PROSECUTION BE READY. THE WORST THING A CRIMINAL WANT IS A FAST FAIR TRIAL. AND SO THE KEY FACTOR WE'VE GOT TO DO IS TO GET A FAST, FAIR TRIAL THAT IS BETTER FOR THE VICTIMS, BECAUSE THEN THEY GET TO HAVE THEIR CLOSURE.

AND THE BETTER FOR THE INNOCENT ACUTE BECAUSE THEY ARE NO LONGE CAUGHT UP INTO OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. SO FAST, FAIR TRIAL SHOULD BE THE GOAL.

AND IN ORDER TO HAVE A FAST FAI TRIAL, YOU HAVE TO HAVE ENOUGH HANDS IN THE KITCHEN TO SERVE THE FIND DISH OF JUSTICE THAT W NEED TO HAVE. AND YOU CAN'T HAVE ENOUGH —- THIS GOES TO THAT SLIDE ON PAGE NINE —- IF YOU ARE —- HERE WE ARE, HARRIS COUNTY, THE THIRD LARGEST COUNTY IN THE COUNTRY, AND SMALL COUNTRIES BE MORE THA WHAT WE DO FOR OUR DAS.

AND IN ADDITION TO PAYING LESS PER EMPLOYEE, THEN WE GIVE THEM AN 800, AND I GUESS IF THEY ARE A NEWCOMER, THEY ARE GETTING A THOUSAND-CASE DOCKET, JEOPARDIZING —- AND A YOUNG LAWYER, WELL, THEY NEVER KNOW MORE LOVE THAN THE FIRST ONE WALKOUT HAVING TAKEN THE BAR EXAM, BUT THEY DON'T HAVE THE EXPERIENCE OR THE WISDOM TO KNO HOW TO APPLY ALL THAT KNOWLEDGE.

AND NOT HAVING THAT WISDOM OR EXPERIENCE AND BEING DUMPED ON WITH A THOUSAND-CASELOAD, THAT' GOT TO BE INTIMIDATING. AND THEY COULD DO AND GET A HIGHER PAYING JOB SOMEWHERE E ELSE, WITH A REASONABLE CASELOA THAT WOULD NOT REQUIRE THEM TO TAKE TOO MUCH TIME AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES. , SO MY QUESTION IS, IS THIS PROPOSED BUDGET, THAT COMES WIT THE SLIDE, DOES THAT GIVE US SOME PAY PARITY, AT LEAST WITH OUR SURROUNDING COUNTIES? AND I WOULD ARGUE THAT HARRIS COUNTY SHOULD BE PAYING A LITTL BIT OF A PREMIUM ABOVE THE SMALLER COUNTIES THAT ARE OUR SATELLITES. AND, IN FACT, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO ENTICE YOU FROM THE OTHER DA OFFICES SO THAT WE ARE THE PLAINTIFF WHERE PEOPLE PROGRESSED TO THEIR CAREER PATH HAS PROSECUTORS, NOT THE PLACE THAT THEY FLEE FROM AS QUICKLY AS THEY GET AWAY FROM. SO DOES THIS BUDGET INCLUDE SOM PAY PARITY PROVISIONS?

>>> IT DOES NOT, BUT IT CAN DO SO WE HAVE A WAY TO OFFSET IT. IT IS PART OF OUR NEW PLAN, WHERE WE WANT TO USE THE TEST ABOUT —- AND WE WANT TO USE ABOUT 28 OF RDA POSITIONS, CONVERT THEM FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS INTO FOLLOWS POSTS WITH THE PATS AND TURN IT ON WITH A HIGHER SALARY ON WE COULD MAKE UP, COULD OFFSET IT THAT WAY THAT IS PART OF KIM'S PLAN TO G TO THE NINE SCHOOLS TO GET THOS PEOPLE WHO JUST GRADUATED IN DECEMBER, WHO ARE TAKING THE FEBRUARY BAR, TO SEE IF WE CAN GET THEM TO RECONSIDER GOVERNMENT WORK.

>>> SO WE HAVE A PLAN THAT WILL JUST ABOUT OFFSET IT, BUT COULD CALCULATE THAT AMOUNT SPECIFICALLY TOMORROW PLEASE I REALLY THINK, COMMISSIONER, THA THE CASELOAD PROBLEM ALONG WITH THE LACK OF PAY PARITY IS A REA ISSUE. WE HAVE A NUMBER OF YOUNG PE PEOPLE, THEY WERE SO BRIGHT, THEY COME OUT OF THE LAW SCH SCHOOLS, THEY HAVE A BIG DENT.

WE DON'T PAY A LOT BECAUSE THIS IS PUBLIC SERVICE, BUT WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE TRAINING GROUND FOR FUTURE LITIGATORS ALL AROUN THE STATE IN THE COUNTRY. WITH THE DIMINISHING JURY TRIAL WITH NO REAL OFFICE SPACE THAT' PERMANENT, THERE ARE JUST MANY NEGATIVES WHEN COMPARED TO OTHE PLACES. THAT IS PART OF WHY I AM SO GRATEFUL TO OUR EMPLOYEES.

[04:40:04]

AND WE'VE HAD A NUMBER OF PROSECUTORS LEAVE FOR THE PUBLI DEFENDER'S OFFICE BECAUSE THE WORK TO LIFE BALANCE IS SO MUCH MORE DEFINED OVER THERE. AND OURS IS REALLY A CONSTANT ASK OF PEOPLE TO GIVE THEIR LIVES TO PUBLIC SERVICE DURING THE TIME THEY WORK FOR US.

>> THIS —- >> —- IS VERY DIFFICULT FOR OUR PEOPLE.

>> THAT DOVETAILS INTO MY SECON QUESTION, WHICH HAS BEEN HERE FOR A WHILE.

I KNOW THAT IN THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE THAT THEY HAV THE 100 TO 150 150 CAMP.

AND YOU GUYS ARE RUNNING 1,000, TENFOLD ON SOMEONE AND THEY OR SOMEONE THEY HAD TO MAKE THE CASE. THE JOB OF SOMEONE WHO IS DEFENDING HIS SUPPOSED FINGERS AT IMPLYING THE FAULT TO PULL THE STRING OUT. THEY ARE NOT THE ONES TRYING TO ENGAGE IN THE SURGERY OF PRESENTING AND BUILDING THE C CASE.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE THE APPROPRIATE CASELOAD CAPS SHOUL BE FOR A PROSECUTOR?

>>> REALLY FOR OUR COMMUNITY PROSECUTORS, OR MORE THAN ABOUT 350 CASES.

AND FOR OUR FOUNDING PROSECUTOR NO MORE THAN 200. I DON'T KNOW THAT THIS COUNTY, YOU KNOW, THAT WE CAN GET THERE BUT I BELIEVE THAT WITH THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTORS WE'VE ASKED FOR, WE CAN REDUCE THAT BACKLOG MORE QUICKLY, GET DOWN AND BACK TO SORT OF NORMALCY IN HARRIS COUNTY, AND GET MORE REASONABLE CASELOAD'S. IT JUST BREAKS MY HEART TO HAVE YOUNG LAWYERS SENDING MEMOS AND REQUESTS FOR COUNSELING. FOR THEIR ANXIETY BECAUSE THEIR LICENSES ARE ON THE LINE. ALL OF OUR LICENSES ARE ON THE LINE.

AND WE HAVE A DIFFERENT DUTY THAN, DEFENSE COUNSEL. THEY HAVE ONE CLIENT PICKUP WE HAVE THE SYSTEM. WE HAVE THE ACCUSED, THE VICTIM AND THE COMMUNITY TO SATISFY A THAT IS WHAT SEEING THAT JUSTIC IS DONE. THAT IS WHAT IT MEANS.

AND THAT IS WHAT THE LEGISLATUR MEANT WHEN THEY WROTE THAT. SO WE HAVE A TREMENDOUS PURGING A MAJOR PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND I FEEL PERSONALLY LIKE THE DEMANDS THA I PLACED ON OUR STAFF BECAUSE O THE SITUATION ARE GROSSLY UNFAI WHEN COMPARED TO OTHERS IN

NEARBY COUNTIES, AND EVEN WITHI THIS COUNTY. >> IF YOU WOULD FOLLOW UP WITH OUR OFFICE HOW MANY ADDITIONAL PROSECUTORS THAT YOU WOULD NEED IN ORDER TO MAKE THOSE ASPIRATIONAL GOALS WITH REGARD TO THE CASELOADS THE 350 FOR A FAMILY PROSECUTOR.

BECAUSE IF YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUG PROSECUTORS TO PROSECUTE THE CASE, PEOPLE STAY IN JAIL LO LONGER. I MEAN, THAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE FIGURE YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE SOMEONE TO PUSH THE CASE THROUG THE SYSTEM OR PEOPLE STAY INCARCERATED WHETHER OR NOT NEE TO BE MOVED AND ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH RJ OVER HERE INTO THE STATE SYSTEM, IF THEY ARE GUILTY, OR IF THERE ISN'T ONE O OUR JAIL SYSTEM, SO THEY CAN MOVE ON WITH THEIR LIVES.

WE NEED TO GET CASES PASSED THROUGH. AND THE SECOND THING WAS TO GIV US THOSE NUMBERS ON —- LIKE FOR YOU TO HAVE A PAY PARITY PLUS. IF THEY ARE GETTING 12,000 MORE PER YEAR IN OUR SURROUNDING COUNTIES, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IT WOULD COST FOR US TO BE ABLE FIRST TO DO 14,000 OR 15,000. NOT MORE THAN THEM, BUT IT IS A FEW THOUSAND MORE THAN WHAT OUR NEIGHBORS ARE DOING SO THAT WE ARE NOT LOSING PEOPLE AFTER YOU TRAIN THEM. AND THAT'S GOT TO BE ANOTHER HUGE DRAIN ON THE CINDY GOSS IF YOU HAVE OTHER TRAINED PROSECUTOR SPENDING TIME TRAINING WAS AND IT IS A DOESN' BELONG TO YOU DON'T GET THE FRUIT OF THE LABOR OF TRAINING PEOPLE ON HOW TO DO THIS JOB, WHICH IS A GREAT JOB. NOW, IT IS A TIME-HONORED TRADITION THAT SOMEONE GOES AND WORKS IN THE DA'S OFFICE FOR T TEN, 12, 15 YEARS AND THEN MAYB WAS UP INTO ANOTHER AVENUE OF SERVICE WITH THAT EXPERIENCE TO WHAT YOU WANT TO GET THE TEN TO 15 YEARS.

YOU DON'T WANT TO GET TWO YEARS AND THEN THEY ARE GONE. YOU WANT TO GET THE FULL TIME.

I THAT TIME-HONORED TRADITION O THAT WORK. MY THIRD QUESTION COMES TO SOME OF YOUR GRANTS. YOU GOT THE WATER GRANT AND I KNOW THAT GRANT WAS A BIGGER CHUNK, AND IT IS GOING DOWN AND IT'S A GREAT PROGRAM. DOES THIS BUDGET INCREASE THAT

[04:45:06]

>> SPEAKER 6: LET ME TAKE THAT BACKWARDS AND I'LL LET VIVIAN JUMP IN WHEN SHE WISHES.

YES, OUR BUDGET, AND, NUMBER THREE, OUR BUDGET DOES INCLUDE THE GRANT FUNDS THAT HAVE NOW BEEN WITHDRAWN BECAUSE WE'VE EXHAUSTED THAT GRANT SOURCE AND THEY WANT THIS GOVERNMENT BODY TO PICK UP COSTS. AND THE BENEFIT —- IN YOURS TOL ME TO THE VICTIMS IN THIS CRIME COMMUNITY. TO THE PAY PARITY, WE WILL SIMPLY GET YOU THAT.

WHILE I MIGHT SAY I AM ARGUING ON BEHALF OF THE EMPLOYEES BECAUSE I SEE THEIR HARD WORK, SEE THEIR SUFFERING, I SEE THEI FRUSTRATION, RELIEVED THE COMMUNITY IS THE ONE WHO THIS HURTS, BY. BY UNDERFUNDING THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE AND UNDERSTAFFING US, IT IS THE PUBLIC PAYS THE PRICE. AND THEY KNOW THAT.

IT'S NOT OUR LAWYERS FAULT. THERE ARE ONLY SO MANY HOURS IN THE DAY, AND WHEN YOU HAVE 1,00 CASES OR 900 CASES, PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT HAVING MULTIPLE PROSECUTORS.

WELL, WE ARE MOVING BECAUSE YOU'RE CONSTANTLY TRYING TO PLU HOLES IN THE BOAT WITHOUT ENOUG

PEOPLE. >>> AND THE FIRST ISSUE, I'LL LET VIVIAN GET.

>> WELL, THE ISSUE I WAS THINKING ABOUT MS. WE ASKED FOR FIVE BONES THAT WILL MAKE UP FO THE INCREASE THIS YEAR FROM OUR GREAT SET TO BEGIN OCTOBER DEAD. I'M SORRY, HE SAID IT'S LIMITED.

I AM SORRY, THE VICTIM INCREASE COORDINATORS WHICH WE USE A ACRONYM FOR THAT.

THAT'S REQUIRED BY THE STATUTE. AND RIGHT NOW MOST OF THEM, 19 OF THEM COME FROM A GRANT AND FOUR FROM THE GENERAL FUND. SO WE WOULD LIKE TO FUND FIVE MORE UNDER GENERAL FUND BECAUSE THE GRANTOR GOING TO INCREASE ANOTHER 50 PERCENT OCTOBER 1ST OF 2022.

SO, TO ANSWER COMMISSIONER CA CAGLE'S QUESTION, THE FIVE WILL MAKE A FULL 25 PERCENT LOSS OVE THE LAST TWO YEARS BUT IT IS NO GOING FORWARD. HE WOULD ASK NEXT YEAR FOR THE ADDITION WAS. BUT THE FIVE WE ASKED FOR IN TH BUDGET WILL MAKE UP FOR THIS PERIOD, THIS CURRENT REDUCTION. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR PLANTIN THAT INFORMATION TO US AND TO MR. BARRY. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE THAT. —- MULTILEVEL DISH —.

>>> WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PUSHING CASES THROUGH HAVE ADEQUATE RESOURCES TO PUSH THEM THROUGH. AND AS WAS POINTED OUT BY MY COLLEAGUE, THERE MAY BE SOME DONALD FUNDS OUT THERE IF THEY CANNOT, WHEREVER THEY ARE

LOCATED. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? GOOD, THANK YOU, DA AND MS.

[Public Defender]

MS. KING. THANK YOU, GUYS, SO MUCH. >>> ALL RIGHT, LET'S GET STARTED WITH THE PUBLIC DEF DEFENDER. GO AHEAD, MR. BONIN P THANK YOU JUST, COMMISSIONS, THIS IS ALEX BONIN, PUBLIC DEFENDER. TO TALK ABOUT SOME PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND SERVICES WE HAVE. WE HAVE BEEN DOING INITIAL BAIL HEARINGS FOR EVERYONE IN HIS COUNTY SINCE 2017. IN FACT, WE ARE BASICALLY THE ONLY OFFICE IN TEXAS, WE ARE TH ONLY COUNTY IN TEXAS, IN WHICH EVERYONE HAS REPRESENTATION AT THEIR INITIAL BAIL HEARING, AND IN SOME YEARS THAT HAD BEEN AS HIGH AS REPRESENTING CLOSE TO 50,000 PEOPLE.

>>> WE REPRESENT DEFENDANTS AND MISDEMEANORS. THAT IS STARTING WITH JUST TO HELP CASES. WE BECOME SPECIALISTS IN PRESENTING MENTALLY ILL AND INTELLECTUALLY DISABLED CLIENTS BUT NOW WE ARE EXPANDING TO ALL MISDEMEANORS, AND WE ARE IN ALL 16 COURTS. WE REPRESENT DEFENDANTS AND FELONY CASES ON EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE DEATH CAPITOL. AND WE HAVE RECENTLY WORKED WIT ONLY COURTS WITH AN ALGORITHM SIMILAR TO THE ONE WE HAVE BEEN PROCRASTINATION WE HAVE CASES EVERYDAY FROM EVERY COURT.

I WILL TALK ABOUT THAT LATER IN ANOTHER SLIDE. >>> WE ALSO REPRESENT TO RED LICK TO CASES IN ALL THREE OF THE JUVENILE COURTS AND WE HANDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION.

WHEN THE JUVENILES ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH BILLINGTON SEA, THEY OFTEN HAVE CASES ASSOCIATE

[04:50:06]

WE HANDLE APPEALS FROM ALL CRIMINAL JUVENILE DISPOSITIONS. WE HANDLE HABEAS CORPUS PROCEEDINGS FOR WRONGFULLY CONVICTED DEFENDANTS. THERE IS INSTANCES, ESPECIALLY SOME CASES WHERE THERE'S MASS MISCONDUCT, LIKE WE ONCE LED TH NATION IN EXONERATIONS BECAUSE OF THE DRUG CASES WHERE PEOPLE WERE FIELD-TESTED FOR DRUGS THA MORE DRUGS.

LAB REPORT CAME BACK LATER AFTE THEY PLED GUILTY AND WE HAD TO FILE A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS.

SO WE HAVE A WHOLE SECTION THAT DEALS WITH THAT. >>> HOLISTIC SERVICES.

YOU HEARD TERESA MAY TALK ABOUT OUR COLLABORATION AND MIXED FUNCTIONS.

WE WORK IN ALL THE SPECIALTY COURTS, NOT JUST FOR OUR KLEPADLO CLIENTS WHO HAVE TO CLEAR THEIR RECORDS. THAT INCLUDES LITIGATION AND FILING TO GET THEIR RECORDS CLEAR. WE DO IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION, PAROLE, HOUSING BENEFITS, EMPLOYMENT, FORFEITURES, ALL THOSE THINGS THAT REMOVE THE OBSTACLES FOR OUR CLIENTS TO SUCCEED, NOT ONLY IN THE CASE THEY HAVE IN COURT BUT ALSO IN THE FUTURE.

AND THAT'S OUR MISSION STAT STATEMENT. THIS DEFENSE PERSONS ACCUSED IN

HARRIS COUNTY. NEXT SLIDE. >>> SO OUR OBJECTIVE: THE BI OBJECTIVE, AND IT WILL BE THE BASIS OF A LOT OF WANT TO TALK ABOUT TODAY MEET THE 50 PERCENT EMPLOYMENT GOAL. THAT IS MORE LAWYERS AND SUPPORTING STAFF.

THIS IS BASED ON THE REPORT YOU RECEIVED BACK IN DECEMBER 2020. I'LL TALK A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THAT. COMPLAINT WITH O'DONNELL AND HARRIS COUNTY SETTLEMENT.

THAT MEANS ANY RESOURCES, AND INITIAL BAIL HEARINGS. AND THEY SAID WE HAVE LAWYERS THERE WE NEED TO GET MORE REASONS A FRIEND TO GET PEOPLE SERVICES AND MAKE REFERRALS.

AND THEN ADMITTING THE PFM RECOMMENDATIONS. A LOT OF WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT U WAS WE NEED TO DO BETTER IN MAKING THIS KIND OF REFERRALS FOR HANDLING DATA.

WE JUST ARE IN THE PROCESS OF PUTTING IN A NEW CASE MANAGEMEN SYSTEM THAT SHOULD BE READY S SOON. WE WILL HAVE BETTER CONTROL OF OUR DATA, BE ABLE TO DO BETTER REPORTING. WE ARE GOING TO DO SOME MORE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE BECAUS WE ARE GETTING A LOT BIGGER. WE NEED MORE SUPERVISION AND WE NEED BETTER MORE STOMACH TRAINING IN THE OFFICE. AND THOSE ARE ALL THINGS WE ARE WORKING ON.

NEXT SLIDE. >>> ACCOMPLISHMENTS. AS I SAID, A LOT OF WHAT I'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT TODAY ARE IN THREE REPORTS. SO IN 2020 THE METALS MENTAL HEALTH POLICY INSTITUTE IN OUR TENURE REPORT AND THEY FOUND, WHICH WAS CONSISTENT IN A REPOR ON IN 2013 BY THE COUNCIL THEY JUST SINCE —- SIX GOVERNMENTS JUST DECIDED THAT WE MORE CLIENTS GET ACQUITTED, WE GO TO TRIAL MOTOR AND WE GET FEWER CUSTODY SENTENCES THAN EITHER APPOINTED OR RETAINED LAWYERS ARE WE ARE BASICALLY MORE SUCCESSFUL AS LAWYERS FOR OUR

CLIENTS. >>> THE OTHER REPORTS THAT YO NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DESA PAROLE PERHAPS IN HIS COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE AND CREATING A DIFFERENT SYSTEM, TH JAG REPORT THAT RECOMMENDS WE GET UP TO 50 PERCENT OF ALL APPOINTMENTS.

>>> AND LEFT THE PFM REPORT, I'LL QUOTE THEM: OAKLEYS IS INCLUDED SKEWED HIS VISION WERE FOR USYK SERVICES, PDM WILL BE LEADER AMONG PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICES NATIONALLY."

>>> NEXT SLIDE. >>> SO, GOALS AND PROGRESS. THE BIG GOAL: INCREASE TO 5 50 PERCENT ARE ANTICIPATE IF YO JUST GIVE ME EVERYTHING I ASKED FOR, WE CAN DO THAT BY THE END OF THE FY 2020 THROUGH THE —- 2023 BUDGET YEAR IMPROVE CASE OUTCOMES AND CONTINUE TO DO BETTER THAN THE PRIVATE BAR. IMPROVED ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE.

THAT MEANS ADDING SUPERVISION AND ADDING TRAINING IN THE OFFICE.

INCREASE HOLISTIC PRACTICES ON REMOVE THOSE OBSTACLES TO CLIEN SUCCESS PUNCTURE INFORMATION FO OUR NEW CASE PAYMENT SYSTEM WIL ALLOW US TO DO MORE REPORTING LOGO SECURE OUR DATA.

WHEN I CAME TO HIS COUNTY 11 YEARS AGO, WHAT WE NOW CALL UNIVERSAL SERVICES WAS CALLED CTS, I WAS ENCOURAGED TO BASICALLY HAVE THEM DO EVERYTHING FOR ME.

AFTER PFM I KNOW IT ALSO MORE IMPORTANT FOR US TO HAVE INTERNAL SECURITY, SO WE ARE GOING TO WORK ON THOSE THINGS. AND THEN COMPLY WITH O'DONNELL AND TRY TO IMPROVE SERVICES AND

BAIL. >>> NEXT SLIDE. >>> OKAY, SO, WHAT IS BETTER REPRESENTATION MEAN? —- NO, GO BACK, GO BACK. IT WAS —- OKAY.

GO BACK TO THE BLUE ONE. THERE YOU GO. STOP THERE.

>>> OKAY, SO IT WAS STUDIED, AND BASICALLY A LAWYER THAT THE ARE A PRIVATE LAWYER, PUBLIC DEFENDER, EVEN DISTRICT ATT ATTORNEY, YOU WILL HAVE ABOUT 1850 HOURS TO WORK IN A YEAR,

[04:55:04]

'S WERE THE LIMITS STATUS BY HOUSE BILL 1318 A COUPLE SESSIONS AGO.

AND THE CHART BELOW BASICALLY OUTLINES WHAT THEY ARE. THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF FELONY MAXIMUM, THEY SAID, WAS ABOUT 128. MAXIMUM MISDEMEANOR: 226, AND APPEALS —- AND YOU CAN SEE PDO LAWYERS AVERAGE ABOUT 120 FAMILIES OR SO, WHICH IS 15.4 HOURS A CASE. ENRICHED BY FULL-TIME INVESTIGATORS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND CLIENT ADVOCATES. SO YOU ARE GETTING A LOT MORE POWER ON EACH CASE, A LOT MORE

ATTENTION TO NEXT SLIDE. >>> SO IN WHAT WAYS ARE THERE PROBLEMS WITH THE PAYMENT DEPARTMENT LAWYERS? WELL, YOU, HARRIS COUNTY, PAID 31,379,000 AND $76 THIS YEAR FO A PRIVATE APPOINTED LAWYER, THA ACCOUNTING US. THE TOP 20 PERCENT OF THE TOP 2 OF THOSE LAWYERS WERE 20 PERCEN OF THAT TOTAL, ALMOST $8 MILLIO YOU PAID TO ANY LAWYERS.

THAT'S AN AVERAGE OF ALMOST $391,000 A YEAR EACH. AND ONE OF THEM, THE HIGHEST-PAID, MADE 806,000190. THAT'S THE EQUIVALENT OF SEVEN LAWYERS THAT I COULD HIRE.

SO THERE'S A REAL UNEQUAL DISSIPATION ALONG THE PRIVATE LAWYERS AND WHAT THEY GET.

AND AT LEAST AT THE TOP OF THE SCALE WE ARE A BETTER VALUE. NEXT SLIDE.

>>> SO HERE IS THAT BROKEN DOWN ON THE AVERAGE NEW PDO LAWYER SALARY PLUS BENEFITS, THAT'S ABOUT 120,000. AVERAGE PDO COUNTY CASELOAD, SA IT IS 120 A YEAR, AND THE TOP PRIVATE LAWYERS HAD 4556 CASES. IF YOU DIVIDE THAT BY 120, HE WOULD NEED 38 PDO LAWYERS 38 TIMES 120 IS 4 MILLION AND A HALF TO $4.5 MILLION. THAT'S IF YOU COMPARE THAT TO THE TOP 20 LAWYERS, IT WOULD COST US $3 MILLION THIS DO THE SAME NUMBER OF CASES.

THAT'S NOT TRUE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM THERE ARE OTHER LAWYERS MAKING A LOT LESS, BUT

THE TOP 20 ARE MAKING A LOT. NEXT SLIDE. >>> SO, HOW ARE WE DOING IN TERMS OF GETTING TO THAT 5 50 PERCENT? THESE ARE TWO COLUMNS FROM THE JAG DASHBOARD WHICH MEANS THEY PRESENTED ALL APPOINTMENTS. THE NUMBERS ARE HARD TO READ BU THE, THE LEFT IS 2021 AND THE COLUMN ON THE RIGHT IS THIS Y YEAR, SO THE COLUMN ON THE LEFT SHOWS OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR THAT PRESENTED CHANGES QUITE A BIT BUT AT THE END OF THE YEAR IT IS CLOSE TO 2 20 PERCENT. AND THE REASON I KNOW YOU AND I ALSO PRESENT AT THE MEETING OF THIS YEAR, AND THE REASON I KNO THAT NUMBER IS SOLID AND YOU CA DEPEND ON IT, IS THAT WE GOT TH DISTRICT COURTS TO CHANGE THEIR PLAN, CHANGE THEIR RULES AND NO EVERY DAY WE GET CASES FROM EVERY COURT AND WE CAN CHANGE THE AMOUNT OF CASES WE GET PER COURT AND READ THAT AS YOU GIVE US MORE LAWYERS. SO WE HAVE A CONSISTENT AND PREDICTABLE AMOUNT OF CASE THAT WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO GET. NOT LIKE THE PROBLEM WE HAD BEFORE WHERE SOME CHRIS GAVE US A LOT OF CASE, SOME CLERKS DIDN'T GIVE US ANY.

IT IS NOW A CONSISTENT AND PREDICTABLE, AND I CAN SEE WE CAN MOVE FROM THAT 20 PERCENT BASED ON WHAT I AM GOING TO ASK YOU FOR TO GET TO THAT 5 50 PERCENT BY THE END OF 2023.

>>> NEXT SLIDE. >>> SO, THESE ARE THE BUDGET INCREASES.

NUMBERS LOOK A LOT LIKE KIM'S, REALLY. 81 LAWYERS.

TOLD INVESTIGATORS. SEVEN SOCIAL WORKERS. 70 SUPPORT STAFF.

AND I HAVE ALSO FACTORED IN WHA THE NONPERSONNEL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THOSE PEOPLE A ARE, BUT THAT IS WHAT WE WOULD NEED FOR BOTH THE 2022 ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE END OF 2023 TO GET TO THE 50 PERCENT. AND THEN IS BASED ON THE JAD STUDY.

THESE ARE NOT —- I HAVEN'T RECALIBRATED ANYTHING, THESE AR JUST WHAT WE NEED TO FINISH THE

TWO-YEAR PROJECT. >>> NEXT SLIDE. >>> SO OUTCOMES.

SO THAT WILL INCREASE US NEXT YEAR BY ANOTHER 10,000 CASES. IT WILL ALSO PRODUCE THE PRIVAT

[05:00:05]

WE WILL INCREASE THE QUALITY OF REPRESENTATION IN THESE CASES. WE WILL ADD HOOSICK SERVICES TO THE INCREASED CASELOAD. WE WILL ENSURE THE INCREASED 5 50 PERCENT BY THE END OF THAT COMMITTEE FISCAL YEAR. WILL INCREASE SERVICES ARE LAWYERS AND CLIENTS, PROVIDE MORE DATA TO JUSTIFY THE PDO. AND AS FAR AS YOUR PRIORITIES, WE WILL PRODUCE RACIAL AND ECONOMIC BIAS WITHIN THE SYSTEM REDUCE UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE TO THE SYSTEM.

SO I DIDN'T REALLY MENTION —- >> BEFORE YOU CONTINUE, I DON'T —- IS COMMISSIONER CAGLE ON THE LINE, JUST IN CASE I HAVE TO —- I HAVE A CALL THAT I NEED TO TAKE AT FIVE.

SO I WANT TO JUST —- CHRISTIAN CAMPBELL, IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND PRESENTING OVER THE COURT, I SHOULD BE BACK AROUND 5:20 OR S YOUNGER WE ARE DUE FOR A BREAK ANYWAY UNCLE BUT I JUST DON'T WANT TO INTERRUPT. SO IF YOU WANT ME TO FINISH OFF THIS HERE?

>>> ALL RIGHT, I AM GOING TO G GET. >> HOW MUCH MORE DO YOU HAVE, SIR? PLEASE I WANTED TO MENTION ONE CHALLENGE AND I AM DONE.

THE CHALLENGE IS SPACE, AND M MR. BARRY KNOWS THAT WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON IT.

BUT I HAVE ABOUT 50 EMPLOYEES NOW THAT DON'T HAVE A DESK THAT THEY CAN CALL THEIR OWN.

AND SO WE ARE LOOKING TO SOLVE THAT PROBLEM. I KNOW HE IS WORKING ON IT AND DID MAKE IT —- DID NOT MAKE A SLIDE FORWARD BECAUSE I KNOW HE IS, BUT THAT IS OUR MAIN

CHALLENGE RIGHT NOW. >> COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >>> ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OF

—- >> YEAH. >> GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER ELLIS PISO, MR. BRANON, I DIDN'T WANT TO ASK THAT WE MAKE A COMMITMEN THAT WE GET THIS OFF IS UP TO 5

AGO AT MR. FLORES' NOW? >>> I BELIEVE YOU DID WRONG I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU WANTED HIM BUT I KNOW THERE WAS DIFFERENTL UNANIMITY I BELIEVE IS ONE ITEM BUT WAS STUCK IN MY HEAD, YEAR AND HALF AGO. OVERALL ON THE CASES —- HOW MAN CASES THE HANDLE NOW?

>>> OVERALL ABOUT 20 PERCENT. >> OKAY, ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOU GOT

ANY QUESTIONS? >> YEAH, VERY, VERY, QUICKLY. , I NEED TO UNDERSTAND.

AND I TEND TO BE MORE OF A PRAGMATIC PERSON. AND I JUST LISTENED TO THE DA, WHO LAID OUT A PRETTY COMPELLIN SHORTAGE OF PEOPLE. YOU HAVE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME QUESTION. SHE ASKED FOR $13 MILLION, YOU'VE ASKED FOR $13 MILLION.

SO AT THIS POINT WE ARE GOING T HAVE TO FIGURE OUT IF —- CLEARL YOU GOT TO GET HELP ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS FENCE. I NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS IN YOUR CASE, AT LEAST IN YOUR CASE WE HAVE THE PRIVATE ATTORNEY ALTERNATIVE. WE DON'T HAVE THAT ALTERNATIVE IN THE DA. BUT WE DO HAVE THAT POSITIVE IN YOUR CASE.

SO I'M TRYING TO UNDERSTAND IN OUR CURRENT SITUATION, WHERE WE DO HAVE AN ALTERNATIVE, WHY THA

IS SUCH AN ALTERNATIVE. >> COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS MANY PRIORITIES, I HAVE ONE IOTA, WHICH IS PART OF PUBLIC DEFENSE. AND THIS WILL ENSURE BETTER PUBLIC DEFENSE.

>> SO YOU'RE SAYING THE PRIVATE ATTORNEYS WILL PROVIDE GOOD, IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE SAYING TEACHES

NO —- MULTILEVEL —- >> OR NOT WRITING GOOD DEFENSE? >>> NO.

IT MARY'S. I SEE WE HAVE ABOUT MAYBE 2 20 PERCENT OF THEM ARE EXCE EXCELLENT, DO A GREAT JOB IN EVERY CASE. 50 PERCENT OF THEM CAN PROBABLY USE MORE RESOURCES TO DO A GOOD JOB. THEY ARE ALL SOLOS.

IT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAVING ONE MORE ABOUT HIMSELF, NO INVESTIGATOR, NO OTHER SUPPORT IN THEIR OFFICE, AND THEY ARE UP AGAINST THE DA'S OFFICE.

THAT IS A DIFFERENT MODEL. AND SO THE REPUTATION IS IMPROVED BY OUR OFFICE BY THE

FUNCTION OF US BEING AN INSTITUTION. >>> YOU ALSO HAVE PROBABLY, I DON'T KNOW, ANOTHER 20 TO 3 30 PERCENT PROBABLY SHOULDN'T B APPOINTED IN THESE CASES.

THEY ARE PROBABLY NOT QUALIFIED. >> OKAY, MEANWHILE, I AM —- >> I AGREE WITH YOU, TO THEM,

YEAH SOME LAWYERS —- >> THEY NEED TO BE A CONVERSATION WITH THE JUDGES.

AND IF THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT SHOULDN'T BE APPOINTED THAT ARE BEING APPOINTED, AND NOBODY TALKS ABOUT IT, I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT, EITHER. WELL, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT IS

[05:05:07]

THAT SHOULD SOLVE THAT PROBLEM. >> COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >>> GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER EL

ELLIS. >> MR. BLENMAN, I KNOW THERE WA A REPORT SOME INDEPENDENT ON TH OUTCOME OF CASES YOU HAVE COMPARED TO THE APPOINTED COUNSEL SYSTEM.

JUST KIND OF WALK THROUGH LONG, I MEAN, I KNOW THAT COMMISSIONE RAMSEY IS NOT A LAWYER BUT IT'S BEEN A AGE-OLD BATTLE IN TEXAS POLITICS. WE WERE —- AT THE TIME WE WERE THE LARGEST COUNTY IN THE COUNTRY AND DUCTILITY CAPITOL O THE WORLD AND DIDN'T HAVE A PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE. IT WAS A BIG FIGHT TO GET THIS PD OFFICE.

I KNOW WHEN I CAME IN HE HAD ABOUT 6 PERCENT OF THE CASES. IT IS PROGRESSING UP TO 20 NOW BUT IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE PAYMENTS CASES OUT OF TEXAS SLEEPING —- HERE IS COUNTY, SLEEPING —- JUST WALK THROUGH BUT I KNOW COMMISSIONER RANJIT IS IN ENGINEERING BUT NOT LAW.

KIND OF WALK THROUGH LONG I KNO IT'S LATE, WE'VE GOT A LONG EVENING.

>> THE STORM WHEN I STARTED T THIS. >>> JUST GLOSS OVER THAT WILL WALK YOU THAT A BIT MY OUR PUBLIC DEFENDER IS CONSIDERED A MUCH BETTER DAY.

>> BEFORE THE DEFENSE ACT OF —- YOU KNOW, ANY JUDGE COULD PICK UP BRAND-NEW LAWYER OUT OF MOSCOW AND GIVE HIM A CAPITAL MURDER CASE, AND THERE WAS A LO OF QUID PRO QUO WAY BACK IN THE OLD DAYS THAT HAD TO BE FIXED. AND THE FERRY DEFENSE ACT HELPE A LOT OF THAT.

BUT EVEN AFTER THAT, I MEAN, THERE STILL IS A LOT OF QUOTA CONTROL.

AND THE CONVERSATION YOU GUYS HAD WITH THE PROBATE JUDGE EARLIER IS SIMILAR, I MEAN, HE REALIZES THAT, YOU KNOW, FAVORITISM AND THAT KIND OF THING CAN BE A PROBLEM, BUT IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN ENDEMIC IN THE CRIMINAL COURTS. AND THE ONLY WAY YOU DO THAT IS YOU HAVE TO COMPLETELY CHANGE THE CULTURE. AND SO ONE OF THE WAYS YOU DO THAT IS PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OF OFFICE. WE WERE STUDIED 2013 AND AGAIN LAST YEAR, AND ALL RESULTS ARE MUCH BETTER THAN THE OVERALL PRIVATE ARE.

>> JUST TWO LEFT POINTS: OF COURSE, IS IT —- IT'S FAIR TO SAY, EVEN APPOINTED LAWYERS COS MONEY. THEY DON'T MAKE ENOUGH, AND RIGHT NOW THEY DON'T HAVE CASE THOUGH STANDARDS THAT THEY FOLLOW WITH. AND WANT TO ASK, WE DID DASHBOARD TO MAKE THIS POINT AN TO PUT A LITTLE LIGHT ON WHAT'S GOING ON.

AND NOW THERE'S ONE COUPLE, I THINK IT'S ABOUT A MILLION DOLLARS THAT THEY'D MADE OFF OF COURT-APPOINTED CASES, IT'S OVE THREE YEARS. AND THAT IS NOT THERE COMPLETE PRACTICE, THAT'S ONLY PART OF THEIR LAW PRACTICE. DOES THAT STILL GO ON?

>>> YES FUNGUS MAY MADE $806,00 LAST YEAR. >> AND HOW MANY CASES WHERE THE HANDLING, AS AN EXAMPLE? I CAN'T REMEMBER THE NUMBER, SOMETHING RIDICULOUS.

MORE CASES THAN THE NUMBER OF DAYS THE COURTHOUSE IS OPEN. >> AND SOME CASES THEY HAD WAY TOO MANY CASES, YES. ABOUT THE THING IS, AS OPPOSED TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE —- AND I AM NOT HERE TO ARGUE AGAINST KIM'S BUDGET, BUT WHEN YOU GIVE US MORE CASE, THAT'S LESS LAWYERS YOU APPOINT THERE IS A SAVINGS, THERE IS AN OFFSET.

IS NOT ONE TO ONE, BUT THERE IS A SAVINGS. >> ALL RIGHT, COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> TO COMMISSIONER CAGLE. ALEX COBB THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENTATION AND QUICK QUES QUESTIONS. HOW MANY VACANCIES DO YOU

CURRENTLY HAVE? >>> LAWYERS? >>> YEAH.

>> I THINK I HAVE ONE BECAUSE SOMEBODY LIKE —- SOMEBODY JUST LEFT LAST WEEK TO HEAD UP AT TRIAL BUREAU AND THE NEW PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE IN SAN ANGELO. BUT THAT WAS A PROMOTION FOR H

HIM. SO YOU ONLY GOT ONE VACANCY? >>> FOR A LAWYER, YEAH.

>> AND IS THERE A COST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAWYERS YOU ARE HIRING AND THOSE THAT THE

DISTRICT ATTORNEY IS HIRING? >>> TYPICALLY THERE IS BECAUSE RARELY HIRE PEOPLE DIRECTLY FRO LAW SCHOOL. THERE'S GOT TO BE A REAL GOOD REASON, MAYBE THEY WERE AN INTERN HERE AND BE TRAINED THEM. BUT THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS STILL THE RULE BUT TYPICALLY THEY HIRED PEOPLE EVEN BEFORE THEY HAD PASSED THE BAR.

SO THEY PASSED THE BAR AND THEN THEY IMMEDIATELY START TAKING THEIR OWN CASES.

BUT THEY HIRED PEOPLE RIGHT OUT OF LAW SCHOOL. SO THEY DO HAVE TRADITIONALLY PAID A BIT LESS. I GOT YOU. OKAY, GOES FOR ALL THE QUES

QUESTIONS, THANK YOU. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA, WE LOST YOU. WITH THAT IN MIND, WE WILL GO AHEAD AND STAND ADJOURNED UNTIL

[05:10:02]

IT IS NOW THAT ZERO SEVEN AND W STAND ADJOURNED UNTIL 5:30. >> IS AT 5:30 IN THE MORNING?

>>> 5:THERE IS WHEN JUDGE HIDALGO SAID SHE WANTED TO COME BACK.

I DO HAVE ANY BUT MYSELF THAT I HAD TO TAKE CARE OF THIS EVENIN SO I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG I WILL BE SEEN

[Office of Managed Assigned Counsel]

ASSIGNED COUNSEL OF MAC. GO AHEAD. >> GOOD AFTERNOON AND GOOD EVENING, COMMISSIONER. MY NAME IS KENNETH HARDEN, AND AM PROBABLY GREEN YOU AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFIC OF MAG ASSIGNED COUNSEL AND FOR THE SAKE OF ABBREVIATION AND TIME I WILL REFER TO AS THE MAC OFFICE PHONE FROM US I INCLUDED KING ARANDA.

SHOULD BE ON THE CALL. SHE IS A OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR AND SHE IS GOING TO ASSIST WITH ONE OR TWO SLIDES WE WILL HAVE IN THE PRESENTATION, SLIDES SEVEN AND EIGHT, WHERE SHE WILL BE COMING IN FOR THOSE THAT ARE TUNING IN TO THE SLIDE. IF WE CAN GO TO PAGE TWO IF WE CAN GO AHEAD AND GET STARTED. SO, COMMISSIONERS, THIS IS ONE THING THAT I WANTED TO BRING OU WAS OUR INITIATIVE BECAUSE IT'S VERY IMPORTANT ESPECIALLY GIVEN A LOT OF THE PRESENTATION THAT HAVE PRECEDED US ON OUR MISSION IS TO SUPPORT ATTORNEYS IN GIVING COURT TO GIVE HIGH QUALITY AND HOLISTIC A PRESENTATION. ONE THING WAS TO SHED LIGHT ON IS THE ATTORNEYS PART. WE HEARD SOME DISCUSSIONS IN PRIOR PRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE ATTORNEYS. WE SERVICE THE PRIVATE ATTORNEY WE DO CONSUMMATE FOCUS ON BUT W SERVICE THOSE WHO ARE QUALIFIED TO HANDLE APPOINTED CASES. I WANT TO DISTINGUISH ATTORNEYS BECAUSE WE ARE SERVICING ATTORNEYS WERE IN MISDEMEANOR APPOINTED CASE AND THE REASON W ARE CURRENTLY SUPPORTING ATTORNEYS WHO HANDLE MISDEMEANO APPOINTED CASES BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT OUR GRANT THAT EXISTS BETWEEN THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AND TID SEE, TAKE THIS INITIATIVE DEFENSE COMMISSION WHICH IS AUTHORIZED TO DO. WE HOPE TO ONE DAY SERVICE FELONY AND ONENESS WITH THE JUVENILE COMPONENTS. THAT IS WHAT WE ARE CURRENTLY SERVICING. SO I MAY GET TO OUR BUDGET AFTE THIS IS TO MISDEMEANOR TO REMAI TO 16 CRIMINAL COURTS OF LAW AN THE ATTORNEYS WHO EXIT THE POLICE TO —- WHO ARE QUALIFIED EXCEPT FOR MISDEMEANOR POINTS I THOSE 16 CRIMINAL COURTS AND L LAW.

SO WHEN WE TALK ABOUT —- ONE THING I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE IS THE BUDGET DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL IN MAKING SURE THA WE WERE DILIGENT IN FILLING THE COMMISSION'S VISION IN SEPARATING PROGRAMS FROM SERVICES. SO WHEN WE LOOK AT OUR DIFFEREN PROGRAMS, WE HAVE OUR ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT, HOLISTI DEFENSE SERVICES PROGRAM AND WE HAVE OUR TRIAL TRAINING PROGRAM ON TWO THINGS ARE TO POINT OUT ABOUT HOLISTIC DIFFERENT PROGRAMS AND OUR TRIALS AND TRAINING PROGRAMS. IF YOU NOTICE —- THE REASON I WANT TO DISTINGUISH THAT BECAUS —- THOSE ARE SERVICES WE PROVID DIRECT AND, OF COURSE, WE HAVE SERVICES THAT ARE OUTSOURCED TO CONNECT. OUR SATELLITE OFFICES ARE REALL PROUD OF THAT BECAUSE WE ONLY HAVE A 19-PERSON STATING WE HAV AN OFFICE THAT IS SITUATED FOR 19-PERSON STAFF BUT WE THOUGHT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO ACCOMMODATE OFFICES, SATELLITE OFFICES, WHO ARE ATTORNEYS UNEMPLOYMENT IS T GIVE THEM CLOSE ACCESS TO THEIR ATTORNEYS ON OUR OFFICE WE SING WITH IT —- WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF CRIMINAL COURTS AND VIEW TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE ATTORNEYS WHO DO HAVE OFFICES THAT ARE FAR AWAY, THAT THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WIT THEIR CLASS BEFORE AND AFTER PROCEEDINGS AND NEED AND IF THE ARE TRUE BECAUSE FOR SERVICING CLIENTS THEY MAY NOT AFFORD COUNSEL. SO IN THE EVENT THAT TRIAL WAS THE ISSUE WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE THAT NEED. CASEMENT SUPPORT THROUGH OUR AUTOMATED SYSTEM. THAT IS APPOINTING CASES. THAT IS WHAT WAS NECESSARY IN THIS LARGE COUNTY. WE ARE PROUD TO SAY THAT AS OF DECEMBER 27 OUR AUTOMATED SYSTE WAS ONLINE EVEN THOUGH WE BEEN OPERATIONAL SINCE JULY. THIS MEDICINE HAD BEEN OPERATIN SINCE SEPTEMBER 27 AND THAT IS SOURCE IMAGING APPOINTMENTS THEY'RE ALL SITTING COURT AND ALLOWS US TO PROVIDE. SEELEY IS FREE TO ATTORNEYS ON THE APPOINTMENT LIST, CONTINUIN EDUCATION IS VERY, VERY, IMPORTANT THROUGH MAJORITY OF WAYS NOT TO JUST GROWING YOUR PRACTICE BUT ALSO THROUGH LEARNING MORE ABOUT OTHER COMPONENTS AND HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR PRACTICE, WHETHER THROUGH SOCIAL WORK SERVICES OR IMMIGRATION SERVICES.

OR INVESTIGATION SERVICES. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PROVIDE THOSE SERVICES.

—- A MEMBER OF OUR COMMISSION EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF NO NEGLECTING THE IMMIGRATION ISSU AND WE ARE PRACTICING WE HAVE A IMMIGRATION LAW ATTORNEY THAT DOES JUST THAT, PROVIDE DIRECT

[05:15:01]

AND THE SAME WITH OUR COMMUNITY OUTREACH PIECE. WITH OUR TRIALS AND TRAINING DIVISION I WANT TO BRING OUT ON DIFFERENCE THAT MAY RAISE AN EYEBROW AND THAT IS MISDEMEANOR SERVICES, JUVENILE DEFENSE SERVICES. I KNOW I JUST ARTICULATED ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE NOT BEING SERVICING JUVENILE COMPONENTS. IS ONLY BECAUSE WE ARE NOT OPERATIONAL. WE HAVE NO RECEIPT OF APPROVAL TO DO SO.

BUT LAST MUCH COMMISSION SUPPOR WAS GRACIOUS ENOUGH TO GRANT IS FUNDING FOR A POSITION, A JAVAL CHIEF POSITION. BUT THAT IS THE ONLY POSITION THAT WE HAVE ON STAFF.

BECAUSE WE HAVE ONE POSITION ON STAFF WE HAVE TO ACCOMMODATE THAT THROUGH BUDGETING BY HAVIN A SERVICE DEDICATED TO THAT. ALTHOUGH WE DO NOT HAVE A STAFF. HAS WE HAVE JUVENILE DEFENSE SERVICES LISTED. OUR TRAINING AND TRIALS —- TRAINING SERVICES, OBVIOUSLY THAT GOVERNS SOME OF THE CONCERNS THAT ENTER THE COMMISSION'S COURT HAS BEEN ASKING ABOUT, AND THAT IS CHANGING THE CURRENT PRACTICE I THE TRANSITION FROM COURT-APPOINTED TO INDEPENDENT COUNSEL. THAT MEANS TRAINING QUALIFICATION ON THE LIST, HAVING SOME OVERSIGHT ON SOME O THESE ISSUES THAT WE TALKED ABOUT THAT A LOT WE DISCUSSED I THE FELONY LENS BUT ALSO CAN MEET APPLIED TO THE MISDEMEANOR LIST. WE PROVIDE THAT WAS WHY WE HAVE A SERVICE DEVOTED TO —- NEXT LINE. THIS IS MORE VISUAL OF EVERYTHING WE JUST DESCRIBED.

NOTICE AN ASTERISK BY THE JUVENILE DEFENSE SERVICE AND FAMILY SERVICES.

THE REASON WE HAVE AN STAR THE COMPUTER OR PROOFREAD JUVENILE DEFENSE RESIDUAL DEFENSE SERVICES ARE THOSE OF THE LEAGU OF APPROVAL YOU WILL HAVE FUNDING OR STAFF TO ACCOMMODATE THAT. MYKALA IS NOT THE VISION, THAT IS NOT IN OUR PLANS GOT THAT DISCUSSION THAT WE ARE HAVING. HOPEFULLY WE ARE GETTING FUNDIN FOR FAMILY, AND HOPEFULLY GETTING APPROVAL FOR JUVENILE, AS WE MOVE FORWARD IN ESTABLISHING THE VISION OF THIS OFFICE. NEXT SLIDE. IF I MIGHT ON THAT POINT I WANT TO ASK THAT I KNOW THAT IS GOIN ON. BUT CANCELING THIS MONEY COME FROM MONEY WE ARE SPENDING FOR APPOINTED COUNSEL NOW? IS IT ALWAYS NO MONEY, AND I JUST WANTED TO ASK THAT QUESTIO FIRST. THE YOU KNOW? PSR IS FOR STAFF, OF COURSE, WE CAN ALWAYS APPROACH WITH MONEY AND FUNDING FOR STAFF.

PARK AS WE EXIST —- >> MR. BARRY —- PLEASE I'M SORR THAT PETER COULD SOME OF THAT MONEY BE USED FOR IT? I MEAN, WE DID SPEND QUITE A SIZABLE AMOUNT OF MONEY? OR IS IT UNDER THE STATUTE. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT MONEY ONLY GOES TO THE LAWYERS WHEN THEY ARE APPOINTED —- IN A HOPEFULLY EFFECTIVE SYSTEM. IF YOU DON'T KNOW, YOU CAN FIND OUT. I WON'T HOLD UP THIS TIME. I WANT TO FOLLOW UP WITH YOU TO MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND THE QUESTION, SO I AM SAYING IS LEIGH SPANN X ANTIMONY LESEAN MCCOY KAN-HATKI HOW MUCH WE SPEND OUR COURT-APPOINTED LAWYERS NOW?

>>> I KNOW WHAT CARD IS NOT EXACTLY THE FULL COST OF COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEYS, I KNOW WHA

ARE PROGRAM IS FUNDED FOR. >> YEAH. AND THE WAY THE LAW WORKS, THE

JUDGES SEND OVER A REQUEST IF THEY WANT TO RAISE THE RATES. >> DSPN BY ALL —- IT'S LIKE A TRANSMITTAL. I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED, WE DIDN'T DO IT.

AND OBVIOUSLY I DO THINK THE MAXIM IS GOING TO COST MONEY AN I THINK YOU WILL GET YOUR RYBINSKI BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE SOME CASELOAD STANDARDS SO PEOPLE WON'T BE HAVING 400 CASE A YEAR IN THE COURTHOUSE BUT I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S THAT MANY DAYS.

THAT IS NOT AWASH BUT THE MONEY IS BEING SPENT ON THAT, WE ARE SPENDING ANYWAY, IT WILL STILL GO TO PAY THESE FEES. AND THEN, KENNETH, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IT'S CLEAR I CALLED THE DEFENSE COMMISSION AND TALK TO THEM BUT THAT WILL BE A ITEM ON COMMISSIONERS COUR FOR NEXT AGENDA. HOPEFULLY SERVICE AND SUPPORT FROM THE COURT.

GO ON RECORD SAYING WE ARE FOUR A MAC IN THE JUVENILE COURTS. SO IF WE DON'T GET ONE I WANT T MAKE SURE THE PUBLIC AND EVERYBODY KNOWS IT'S THERE. I MEAN, I HOPE THEY WILL BE TWO VOTE THERE TO GO AND DO IT UNDE THAT MAIL THE PAST BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT I HAVE TO TAKE, TWO THIRDS OF THE JUDGES HAD TO AGREE ON BUT IF NOT I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS CLEAR NOW AND THEN WHEN WILL WE HAVE THE —- DID WE HAVE A JUVENILE DASHBOAR NOW? THAT'S JAD BUT IS THERE A DASHBOARD ON THE POLICE? I KNOW YOU CAN FIND THEM BUT IS MORE DIFFICULT UNDER STATE LAW. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT IT IS —- THERE IS A SOURCE FOR THAT,

[05:20:02]

WE WILL HAVE A LOT MORE DISCUSSIONS, PARTICULARLY ON TH JUVENILE COMPONENT, IS BELIEVED UP TO JANUARY 26TH. THAT'S A SIGNIFICANT THAT BECAUSE THAT IS THE DATE WE ARE GOING TOWARDS JUVENILE BOARD SEEKING THEIR APPROVAL AS AN ACTION ITEM.

IT IS SOMETHING WE PRIORITIZE. >> I KNOW FROM THE STATESIDE, WHEN THEY ARE LOOKING AT IF THE GET OUR MONEY WHAT THEY SPENT, IT HAS TAKEN US A LONG TIME, FO WHATEVER REASON.

YOU KNOW, SO THAT IS A DAY OR TWO AFTER CHRISTMAS AND BUT HE SIGNED IT.

IT'S TAKING A LONG TIME. AND I DO THINK A JUDGE, THIS HELPS CLEAR UP SOME OF THE BACKLOG BECAUSE PEOPLE JUST SITTING SITTING IN JAIL IF THEY HAVEN'T SEEN THEIR LAWYERS, IF THEY ARE TRYING TO MAKE A DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE GOING TO COP A PLEA, SOMETIMES THAT WAS THE OLD SCHOOL SYSTEM. SYSTEM WOULD LEAVE YOU IN AND YOU WAKE UP ONE EVEN IF YOU WER INNOCENT. HEAR ME? BUT HOW COULD THEY HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE LAWYER? ACCORDING TO THE SHERIFF THEY HAVE THE SAME. AND IF THEY HAVE WHAT WE KNOW, YOU CAN PUT IN THE DASHBOARD TH LAWYER HAS 400 CASES, I WOULDN' HAVE A LOT OF COMPETENCE IN EITHER.

AND THEN YOU GO TO THIS PAIN. SO I THINK THIS WILL HELP TO CLEAR THE BACKLOG.

OR SOMETIMES I THINK IF THE STATE KNOWS SOMEBODY HAS A DECENT LAWYER FIGHTING FOR THEM IT WILL HELP THEM MAKE A DECISION OF IS THAT A CASE WORT PURSUING.

THANK YOU PEACE AND, COMMISSION THOSE ARE GREAT COMMENTS AND THOSE ARE SOMETHING WE HOLD D DEAR, BECAUSE OUR GOAL IS TO CHANGE THAT PERCEPTION. ALL REALITY CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THEY APPLIED. WHEN I GET TO UPDATES WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL SEE THAT HOW WE ARE SETTING THE FOUNDATION AND FRAMEWORK TO DOING THAT AS WE SPEAK.

WHICH LEADS TO OUR OUTCOMES. THOSE TWO OUTCOMES ARE REALLY SHORT BECAUSE WE ONLY MADE A YEAR NOVEMBER 3RD 2020 BUT WE ARE TWO OF OUR GRANT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I PRESENTED TO YOU REGARDING A BUDGET, SO THESE ARE OUR OUTCOMES WHICH ONE OF WHICH WE JUST ACCOMPLISHMENT TO MAKE COMMITMENT WAS IN A COURT OF LA AND INDEPENDENT COUNSEL FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WILL FACE A COURT OF LAW AND SOME DETAILS TO BEGIN FROM SOME ATTORNEYS WHO ARE CURRENTLY ON THE LIST, AND NOT TO MENTION JUST OUR STAFF WORKING OVERTIME.

WE HAVE A COMPASS THAT AS OF TH 27TH, MANAGING CASE APPOINTMENT AND ALL 16 CRIMINAL COURTS OF LAW. AND THE SUPPORT MACAPIRAS AND REPUTATIONS THOSE ARE THINGS YO —- THAT'S WHY WE HAVE A PROGRAM COMPLETE DEDICATED TO IT SO WE ARE ALWAYS ACCOUNTABLE THAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE OUR PRESENTATION COLLECTIVELY. NOT JUST REFLECTING APPOINTMENT BUT SOME SERVICES THAT CLIENTS DESPERATELY NEED ALSO. IT NOT ONLY MOVES CASES ALONG BUT INCREASES THE HIGH QUALITY THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS JUST ECHOED.

NEXT LINE. >>> THIS LEADS TO SOME ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

NOW OBVIOUSLY SOME OF THE INCOMPETENCE THAT WE HAD WERE CHALLENGED BECAUSE WE HAVE STARTED ON I HEARD TRICIA RANDY TALK ABOUT SOME EXPENSIVE BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS SOME YEARS FAMILIAR WITH CHALLENGES THOSE TIMES HAVE FUN WE HAD CHALLENGES AS WELL.

THIS IS SOMETIMES BECAUSE COLLECTIVELY WE NEED TO —- TO ACCOMPLISH GOALS WE NEED.

SOME GOALS INCLUDE I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT IS THE PLAN OF OPERATIONS.

THE PLAN OPERATIONS IS HOW IT TOOK TO CHANGE SOME OF THE STANDARD THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT. THE QUALIFICATIONS, INCREASING THE QUALITY OF REPRESENTATION, MAKING SURE WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE FOR SUPPORTS WAS THAT WE ARE HAVING, HAVING INTAKES THEM IN PLACE. THE CASELOADS ON ALL THE THINGS ARE GOING TO DIRECTLY AFFECT OU DEVOTED OPERATION AND IS TAKEN ALL THE CONVERSATION IN MULTIPL FOCUS GROUPS AND LOTS OF PLANNING, BUT WE DID IT. AND OCTOBER 27TH WE HAD A 5 50-PLAN PAGE OF OPERATION APPROVED. IN ORDER TO CHANGE PUBLICATION AND THINGS WE DISCUSSED ALSO NEED LOCAL RULE CHANGES POSSIBL PROPOSED LOCAL RULES CHANGES WERE ALSO PASSED COLLECTIVELY B THE CRIMINAL COURT OF LAW JU JUDGES. SO WE ARE NOT ABLE TO PUT IT IN EFFECT A LOT OF AFFECT WE HAVE CREATED TO MAKE LONGER AND, OF COURSE, SOME OF THESE OTHER THINGS WERE MOVING INTO OUR BUILDING, OUR WEBSITE, OUR BASE AND ALL THESE THINGS.

OF COURSE, THE POLICE, WE DID BEGIN —- A LOT HAS CHANGED. WE HAVE TO GO ONE CORE AT A TIM BECAUSE YOU ARE DOING THINGS MANUALLY. BUT SINCE OUR AUTOMATED SYSTEM

[05:25:06]

WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN OPERATIONAL ON SERVICES AS OF JULY 15TH WE HAVE LEFT TO PUT THE TO SOME ATTORNEYS THAT ARE ALREADY ONLINE THEY HAVE BEEN USING. WE HAVE TO SEE THAT WE ARE 80 T REPRESENTATION AND SCRATCHING THE NEEDS OF SOME OF THESE ATTORNEYS.

BECAUSE A LOT OF ATTORNEYS IS NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE INCOMPETEN IS BECAUSE A LOT OF THEM HAVE PRIVATE PRACTICES THAT DO NOT HAVE SOCIAL WORKERS THAT DON'T HAVE IMMIGRATION, DON'T HAVE A LOT OF SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE. IT HAS BEEN A REAL BLESSING TO SEE THEM UTILIZING SOME OF THES

SERVICES. NEXT SLIDE. >>> OUR NEXT STEPS ON OUR NEX STEPS ARE ONE OF THE GREAT REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

I HAVE BEEN A GREAT CONVERSATIONS WITH MISSES MO MONTES, WHICH IS THE ORGANIZATION THE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS THAT WAS ESTABLISHE LAST APRIL AND MAKE SURE YOU'RE IN COMPLIANCE OF SAYING THE PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES WHICH HAV BEEN APPROVED BOTH BY THE IDC AND OVERLOOKED BY MISSES MONTES. SO WE ARE TO BECOMING COMMISSIONERS ALTQUOTE WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO WITH THOSE REGULATIONS. ATTORNEY SECTION PROCESS, MANY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE LIST AN EXPANSION OF THE LIST. THAT IS SOMETHING THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN IN EFFECT, IN EFFECT REPOSTED IN THE EVENT TH APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE FORTITUDE TO JOIN THE MISDEMEANOR APPOINTMENT LIST JANUARY 7TH FOR THIS LAST FRIDA WITH THE CLOSE OF AN APPLI APPLICATION. I WAS NOTIFIED WE RECEIVED 18 APPLICATION ATTORNEY, FIVE OF WHICH ARE SPANISH-SPEAKING ATTORNEYS WHICH IS ALREADY BEEN A SHORTAGE WHICH I WILL DO TO MAKE IT TO A REQUEST WHICH I WILL GET TO EXPLAIN MORE WHEN W GET TO OUR REQUEST. SO WE HAVE THIS PROCESS THAT IS LOOKING DIFFERENT, OUR ATTORNEY SELECTION PROCESS AUTOMATED. WE HAVE A AUTOMATED SYSTEM THAT TAKES PLACE ON FEBRUARY 15TH.

MARCH 28 IS ANOTHER KEY DATE. THAT WILL BE LATER ALL ATTORNEY NOW IF THEY BEEN SELECTED THROUGH THE PROCESS FOR OUR IV CYCLE MEANING THEY HAVE ALL BEE SELECTED THROUGH OUR PROCESS.

AND WE ALSO HAVE HOPE THAT OUR CHANGES TO BITS, THE PAYMENTS SYSTEMS, WILL BE COMPLETE.

WE BEEN WORKING DILIGENTLY WORKING DEALS WITH HARRIS COUNT COUNTERPARTS, TO ENSURE THAT THAT WILL HAPPEN. WHICH MEANS THAT IF IT DOES DOE WILL NO LONGER BE SERVING

PROCESSES AND THEIR BECOMING —- [INDISCERNIBLE]. >>> ON CHILD AND TRAINING NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE DEFINITELY DO HAVE OUR APPLICATION PROCESS, W HAVE A SECOND APPLICATION PROCESS. THAT'S THE APPLICATION PROCESS. REASON THAT IS IMPORTANT BECAUS WHEN WE START TALKING ABOUT CREATING CULTURE CHANGE AND CHANGING AND INCREASING THE HIG QUALITY OF REPRESENTATION ON TH LIST —- THIS IS NOT JUST —- BUT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE HOLDIN TRUE TO THAT IS THROUGH OUR PIECE. RIGHT NOW —- AND YOU HEARD CHIE BONIN SPEAK ABOUT IT, THEY USUALLY HIRE FROM ATTORNEYS WHO ARE EXPERIENCED AND YOU HEARD THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY TALK ABOU HOW A LOT OF ATTORNEYS FROM HER OFFICE GO TO THE PUBLIC DEF DEFENDER'S OFFICE. ONE THING MISSING IS THE GAP TO ATTORNEYS WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN LAW SCHOOL. 'S APPLICATION PROCESS WILL GIV US THE OPPORTUNITY TO START MENTORING AND TRAINING AND DROPPING ATTORNEY DIRECTLY OUT OF LAW SCHOOL SO THEY CAN TO GE TO THAT DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE AND BE READY TO HANDLE CASES, BECAUSE PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE IN YOUR HANDS AND WE ARE TO ENSURE THAT WITH OUR TOOLS AND EXPERTISE AND RESEARCH THAT'S BEEN GIVEN TO US THROUGH THE COMMISSION AND SUPPORT THAT WE CAN START TO RESTACK COMPONENT PAUL GOSAR APPLICATION IN THE ONLINE AND THE APPLICATION PROCESS CLOSES JANUARY 17TH.

THAT, OF COURSE, OUR CASE MAJOR DATABASE THAT WE'VE BEEN WORKIN ON THE ART DATA PROGRESS SHOWED THAT AFTER DATA GOVERNORS GAVE US G WEB ACCESS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE DELAY OF US —- BUT WE AR OFTEN ROLLING AND WE ARE HAPPY TO BE OPERATIONAL AND WE ARE ONLY GOING TO EXPAND AND GET

GREATER FROM THEIR. NEXT SLIDE. >>> THIS BRINGS US TO OUR BUDGET REQUEST AND THIS IS WHY KATIE MORAN IS ON THE LINE AND SHE CAN EXPLAIN THE THEORY BEHIND THE NUMBERS. BEFORE WE DO THAT I WANT TO TAL ABOUT WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT.

YOU HAVE HEARD A CONSTANT THEME OF LANGUAGE SERVICES, AND I THINK IT IS VERY CRITICAL AS THEY EXIST WITHIN THE MAC OF OFFICE. AND THE REASON WHY IT'S A LOOK AT —- IF THIS IS NOT —- THE WAY THINGS ARE NOW HOLD POTENTIAL PROBLEMS. RIGHT NOW FOR ATTORNEYS WHO ARE ON THE LIST THEY HAVE NO OPTION FOR NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING CLI CLIENTS: THEY CAN REQUEST A COURT INTERPRETER WHICH IS OPTIONAL, OR THEY CAN FILE A

MOTION FOR AN INDEPENDENT INTERPRETER. >>> NO, CORPUS OF THESE OPTIONS ARE AT NO EXPENSE TO TH ATTORNEY, AT LEAST ABSENT AT TH TIME.

ABOUT THEY ARE POTENTIALLY ISSUES WITH BOTH OF THESE OPTIONS.

OPTION ONE BEFORE COURT INTERPRETER IS, ONE, THE POTENTIAL CLASS —- AND

[05:30:06]

THE OTHERS POTENTIAL DELAYS. COURT INTERPRETERS, GRANTED, WE HAVE HEARD THERE ARE LACK OF INTERPRETERS, WHICH MEAN THAT THERE IS NOT AN INTERPRETER THA IS IN EACH OF THE SITTING COURT ON STANDBY ONCE IT'S BEEN REQUESTED. SO YOU'RE LOOKING AT POTENTIAL DELAYS WITHIN THE COURT SITTING. AND THEN YOU ARE ALSO LOOKING A POTENTIAL DELAYS OF COURT SETTINGS, RIGHT? WHICH CONTRIBUTE INDIRECTLY TO CASE BACKLOG.

BANGS ONE THIS ISSUE WORTH GOIN TO THE COURT OR THE OTHER IN TH INDEPENDENT MOTION IS BACK UP WITH ATTORNEYS USUALLY HAVE TO FIND A SERVICE PROVIDER OR AN ATTORNEY WHICH, ONE, CAN BE AN EXPENSE ISSUE, BECAUSE THEN THAT'S DIFFERENT SERVICE WRITER HAVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COSTS O CONTRACTING THROUGH AN OFFICE. AND THEN YOU HAVE INFECTED DELAYS VERY SELDOM ARE INDEPENDENT TRANSLATORS GIVEN I THE SAME COURT SETTING, RIGHT POSTERIOR FIRST-YEAR FILING A MOTION, THEN YOU'RE GETTING IT GRANTED BY A JUDGE, WHICH THE COLONEL COURTS AND LAW JUDGES ARE VERY SUPPORTIVE, AS I SEE IT, TO THE NEEDS OF THE ATTORNEYS.

BUT YOU HAVE TO GREAT EMOTION AND THEN YOU HAVE A TIME DELAY BETWEEN GRANTING OF A MOTION AN ACTION HAVING AN INTERPRETER THERE POLICY HAVE ANOTHER CONTRIBUTOR TO POTENTIAL CASE BACKLOG BECAUSE OF DELAYS IN SETTINGS. REVIEW DELAY OR QUESTIONING THA INCREASE THE AGE OF OUR CASE BU WHEN YOU INCREASE IN YOUR CASE THAT CONTRIBUTES TO CASE ISLA.

GUENZATTI TWO ISSUES WE HAVE. THE OTHER ISSUE THAT THE ATTORNEYS WHO ARE CURRENTLY ON THE LIST WITH NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING CLIENTS, PARTICULARLY SPANISH.

RIGHT NOW WE HAVE 108 ATTORNEYS WHO AGREED TO CONTINUE TAKING ENCAMPMENTS FROM THE MAC OFFICE.

THOSE 108 ONLY 26 ARE SPANISH-SPEAKING, SO WHEN YOU HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF SERVIC FROM ALKI POINT ATTORNEYS THAT ARE SPEAKING SPANISH IF WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THAT PARTICULAR LANGUAGE, THEN YOU ARE INCREASING THEIR CASELOAD AND THAT BIRD THAT'S ON THESE ATTORNEYS. THEIR CASES ARE GETTING HIGHER. ARE THEY GOING TO GET EXHAUSTED AND THAT TAKE UP ARMS ANYMORE, CONTINUED INTO THE ISSUE? SO THOSE ARE THE ISSUE THAT WE SEE IF THINGS WERE TO CONTINUE AS THEY ARE GOING, WHICH IS WHA I'VE IDENTIFIED AFFORDING A TRANSIT COORDINATOR WHICH WILL HELP WITH SOME TRANSLATION NEED IN THE OFFICE.

IT WILL ALSO HELP AND ASSIST WITH THE OUTPUT OF THE SERVICE AND WE SUPPORT MAKE UP WITH

ATTORNEYS IN ACCOMPLISHING AND SATISFYING THIS PARTICULAR NEED. >>> IF KATIE IS ON THE LINE, IF YOU CAN ELABORATE A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THE THEORY BEHIN THE NUMBERS.

CAITIE? >> YOU ARE UNMUTED. AND I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU GUYS CAN BECAUSE WE STILL HAVE SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS TO GET THROUGH, TO TRY TO, YOU KNOW,

SPEEDED UP. I'LL WRAP IT UP. >> WHAT OUR OFFICE DID LOOK AT

WHAT OTHER OFFICES WERE DOING AND WE GET OUR NUMBERS. >> WE HAVE A LITTLE TROUBLE HEARING YOU. MAYBE GET A LITTLE CLOSER TO TH MICROPHONE.

>> CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? >> YEAH, ARE COMING THROUGH, IT'S JUST VERY, VERY, LOW.

>> SO WHAT OUR OFFICE DID LOOK AT WHAT OTHER THE POLICE WERE DOING AND CURRENTLY HIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE HAS FIVE TRANSLATORS DESIGNATED FOR SPANISH TRANSLATION.

WITH THE INTERPOSITION SAY RANGING FROM 50 TO 75. 422 OTHER DEVELOPMENTS WERE DOING. ASIDE FROM THAT THE DA'S OFFICE ALSO HAS CONTRACTS WITH LANGUAG SERVICES TO ASSIST THEM WITH THEIR NEED. WE ALSO KNOW THAT THERE IS OTHE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS LIKE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WHO ALSO HAS —- —- AND THEN ALSO THE PO'S OFFICE WHO ALSO USE LANGUAGE LINE SERVICES MUSCLE OUR POSITION IN COMPARISON TO THE DAS OFFICE IN THAT THEY HAVE FIVE CURRENT TRANSLATORS ON STAFF ASIDE FROM USING LANGUAGE SERVICE CONTRACTS. WE ARE ONLY ASKING FOR ONE TODA AND WE GET THE NUMBERS FROM THA AND WENT TO $6,000 IS REALLY LABOR COSTS AND HEALTH BENEFIT RATES.

AND THEN THERE IS ALSO ONE TIME OPERATING EXPENSE AND A ONE-TIM START OF COSTS WITH THAT.

THAT'S ABOUT $10,000 OTHER THAN THE 126. I KNOW KENNETH REGA AND LANGUAG TRANSITION SERVICES AND THAT WOULD ALSO BE OVERSEEING THE LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SERVICES THAT WE HAVE. AND ANNE MANIE FOR THE TRANSITION SERVICES AS WE BELIEVE IT WILL BE USEFUL ACROS OUR ATTORNEYS AND OUR CLIENTS AND ALSO WITHIN THE OFFICE.

[05:35:01]

ESPECIALLY NOW THAT WE ARE IN ALL 16 COURTS. >> AND THEN WE'LL GO TO THE NEX SLIDE NOW UNDER THE MASSIVE ASSISTANT IS ALSO —- I'LL GO INTO NUMBERS AND KENNETH EMBELLISHES. KEN WE TALK ABOUT THE POSITION. BUT THE TWO COVERS NUMBERS IS ALSO ON THE LORD. IT IS 100,000. IT MIGHT SOUND LIKE A HIGH NUMBER BUT REALLY INCLUDE LABOR AND BENEFITS WAS REALLY ABOUT 2 OPERATING COSTS AND THEN $10,00 IN A ONE-TIME START OF COSTS —- I MEAN, $5,000 IN ONE-TIME STAR OF COSTS AND THE BARGES ARE SO EVERY YEAR WE GET GRANT FUNDING BUT THIS YEAR ALONE WE ONLY RECEIVED $25,000 FROM THE GRANT FOR OPERATING EXPENSES. AND WHAT WE'RE FINDING IS JUST ALONE IN ONE OF OUR SUBSCRIPTIO THAT WE HAVE WITH ONE OF OUR VENDORS IS GOING $15,000. SO RIGHT OFF THE BAT WE ARE LOSING $15,000 AWARD $25,000 OPERATING SPACE AND THAT IS ONL ONE SUBSCRIPTION.

WE HAVE ANOTHER SITUATION FOR $2,000. SO TO HELP US OFFSET A BIT OF THAT FUNDING AND HELP US USE SOME GRANT FUNDING AT ALL RESOURCES, WE ARE ASKING THE COURT FUNDERS FOR THE $2,000 FO THE LINE ATTORNEYS THEY ARE BARGES, AND IT IS NOT A UNCOMMO PRACTICE. THIS IMPACT IS DONE ACROSS OTHE DEPARTMENTS, ONE OF THEM BEING PDL AND I BELIEVE THERE'S OTHER DEPARTMENTS THAT DO THIS NOW. SO WE HAVE THREE ATTORNEYS ON STAFF THAT CAME FROM OTHER DEPARTMENTS WHOSE BAR WAS ALSO PAID THROUGH PIERCE COUNTY FUND FROM OTHER DEPARTMENTS. SO PAYING FOR STAFF BARGES ALLOWS US TO DELIVER THAT SERVICE BOTH IN REGARD TO TRAINING, REPRESENTATION IS NEEDED BY APPOINTED ATTORNEYS I ORDER FOR US TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST COURT OF REPRESENTATION. AND THAT'S ALL I HAVE TODAY —- HIGHEST QUALITY OF REPRESENTATION. I BELIEVE THAT NEXT LINE, WE DI HAVE A SLIDE THAT WAS AMENDED. HE HAS ALREADY FELT INVOLVED AR PATIENT AND THAT CONCLUDES OUR PRESENTATION. THANK YOU. DO MY COLLEAGUES HAVE ANY

QUESTIONS? >> I'M GOOD, HE HAS, THANK YOU. >>> I WAS JUST WONDERING ON THE OUTPUT YOU GUYS MADE ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR LANGUAGE SERVICES.

I THINK JUST FOR DAVE AND YOU ACOUSTICALLY AT THIS LANGUAGE ACCESS ISSUE, I THINK THAT'S WHAT I'M GETTING AT. I JUST DON'T BELIEVE THAT EVERY INTERPRETER IS PROPERLY TRAINED ON I BELIEVE MAYBE THE RUB IS I THESE CONTRACTS. AND I ALSO, WITH WHAT MR. HARDE IS SAYING, I WONDER IF WE COULD FOCUS INTERPRETERS MORE ON THE MAC AND PD OFFICE.

ANYWAY, I AM CURIOUS ABOUT THE APPOINTMENT HE MADE AS FAR AS, YOU KNOW, WHETHER THEY COME FRO THE DEFENSE SIDE OR WHERE THEY COME FROM. SO I APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT AND, YOU KNOW, I AM EAGER TO SEE WHERE BUDGET LANES WITH ALL OF THIS.

>> SPEAKER22: THANK YOU JUDGE, WE REALLY APPRECIATE THAT. THANK YOU, GUYS, SO MUCH.

[Justices of the Peace]

AND FORENSIC SCIENCES? >> YES, GO AHEAD, JUDGE CARTER. JUDGE.

AND T2 FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH YOU TODAY. I AM JUDGE WILLIAM CARTER, HERE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE FOR PRECINCT ONE, PLACE ONE AND FLOODING JUDGE FOR THE HEROES, THE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. ALL I GET THE PRIVILEGE OF SPEAKING WITH YOU ALL TODAY I A MAKING A PRESENTATION ON BEHALF OF NOT ONLY MY CORPORATE ALSO THOSE OF MY COLLEAGUES, GEORGE' DEAR PETRONELLA, JOE DOUG HA HARLOW, JOE REISER, JOE STEVENS LISA BATES AND ALYSSA CÓRDOBA.

ISRAEL BHESANIA —- HEND ZAZA RODRIGUEZ, WANDA ADAMS, SHARON BERNIE, HOLLY WILLIAMSON AND WILLIE DID. AND I ALSO JOINED BY ED WELLS OUR MENTOR FOR THE JUSTICE COURTS. AND WHITEHEAD ENTER SPEAKING HERE TODAY I SHOULD ALSO POINT OUT THAT WE ARE ALL SEEKING INDIVIDUAL AND IN MANY WAYS UNIQUE DEPARTMENTS AND THEREFOR SEVERAL OF MY COLLEAGUES ARE PRESENT TODAY AND ARE ADDRESSIN A QUESTION OF CONCERNS ABOUT TH PARTICULAR COURSE OR THE PARTICULAR REQUESTS SHOULD THE COURT REQUIRE.

BUT WE ARE SEEKING A UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL COURTS, ARE COURTS D SHARE COMMON PURPOSES.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> YOU TO THE SCREEN EARLIER TODAY IN MR. WELLS' PRESENTATIO

[05:40:10]

BUT I WANT TO DRAW YOUR ATTENTION TO THE TOP FOUR BULLE POINTS HERE.

ARE JUST COURTS OUR LOCAL COURT WHICH ARE LIMITED JURISDICTION, BUT WE ARE COURTS WITH SIMILAR JUDICIAL DUTIES AND PURPOSES TO ANY OTHER LEVEL OF COURT. AND FOR MOST COURT ARE JUSTICE COURTS ARE ONLY INTRODUCTIONS T THE JUSTICE SYSTEM, WHETHER THA BE IN THE CIVIL OR CRIMINAL CONTEXT. AND FOR THAT REASON WE, THE DISCOURSE ARE EXTRA MINDFUL OF OUR ROLE TO ONLY PROMOTE JUSTIC AND MAKE INDIVIDUAL CASE BUT ALSO TO PROMOTE THE PERCEPTION, THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF JUSTIC IN INDIVIDUAL CASES. FURTHERMORE, THE JUSTICE COURTS ARE IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO NOT ONLY PROVIDE AN IMPARTIAL FORM FOR THE RESOLUTION OF LEGAL

DISPUTES BUT TO ALSO DO SO BY LESS FORMAL MEANS. >>> FINALLY AS A COMMUNITY COURTS, WE CARRY THE IMPORTANT DUTY TO PROTECT INDIVIDUALS AGAINST ARBITRARY USE OF GOVERNMENT POWER, GOVERNMENTAL POWER, AND THUS REMAIN MINDFUL OF THAT AS WE ALIGN OUR

RESOURCES. >>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> AND STATE ADMISSION DRAWS ON THESE PURPOSES. WE SERVE THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY BY PROVIDING EFFICIENT AND ACCESSIBLE INITIATION OF JUSTICE, AND INTEREST OF JUS JUSTICE, AND BY TREATING A PERSON TO PARTICIPATE IN THE INITIATION OF JUSTICE WITH FAIRNESS, DIGNITY AND RESPECT.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> OUR STATE DIVISION THE STATED VISION IS TO SERVE CONDITIONS BY ENSURING JUDGES THAT IS FAIR, TIMELY AND ACCESSIBLE TO ALL.

FOR THE BOTTOM PART OF THE SLID NOT INCLUDED IN OUR SUBMITTED VISION, WE AGREE WITH THESE IDEAS LISTED EARLIER BY THE OFFICE OF COURT MANAGEMENT, AND SO I AM SHARING IT HERE AS WELL FOR YOU TO READ. EVERYTHING WE DO AS STEWARDS OF THE COUNTIES RESOURCES AND CURTIS LOFTIS IS ELECTED AND TRUSTED BY OUR CONSTITUENTS IS WITH THIS IN MIND.

>>> HOWEVER, AS THE COURT MAY IMAGINE, WITH OUR VOLUME OF CASES THIS TAKES A TREMENDOUS EFFORT FROM OUR JUDGES AND OUR COURT STAFF AND NECESSARILY IT ALSO TAKES APPROPRIATE AND

SUFFICIENT FUNDING. >>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE, THANK YOU.

>>> ALLOW ME TO SHARE JUST A BIT OF INSIGHT INTO WHAT IT IS ARE JUSTICE COURTS DO.

WHY IT'S HARD TO BREAK DOWN THE RESOURCES WE PROVIDE IN THE CATEGORIZED PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, AND ITS MOST BASIC LEVEL THE ULTIMATE MEASURE OF OUR SUCCESS IS THAT THE PARTIES ARE ABLE TO ACHIEVE A RESOLUTIO OF THEIR DISPUTES. THEREFORE THE PRIMARY SERVICE W PROVIDE IS IN THE PROCESSING OF CASES. AND I THINK IS BEST BROKEN DOWN INTO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS. CIVIL CASES INVOLVED SMALL CLAIMS THAT CLAIM MONETARY DISPUTES AND ALSO EVICTION MATTERS.

PROCESSING A CASE INVOLVES EVERYTHING NECESSARY FROM THE INTAKE OF THE CASE TO FINAL JUDGMENT, AND MOST TIMES BEYOND. THIS MEANS ENTERING CASE, PREPARING CITATIONS, CONFIRMING SERVICE, SENDING NOTICES OF SETTINGS, HOLDING PRETRIAL HEARINGS, ADDRESSING DISCOVERY MEDICAL SETTING CASES FOR MEDIATION, AND CONDUCTING JUDGE AND JURY TRIALS.

HOLDING CONTEMPT HEARINGS WHEN PRAISED BY A COURT ORDER. PRESSING APPEALS AND HANDING A SLOW DIFFERENT ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS WHEN CREDITORS ATTEMPT TO ENFORCE A CIVIL

JUDGMENT. >>> RAILS ALL THE VARIETY OF HEARINGS FOR EVERYTHING FROM DETERMINING PROBABLE CAUSE FOR VEHICLE AUTO TO ISSUING AN ARTIFICIAL JURY'S LICENSE TO DETERMINING WHETHER A DOG IS A DANGEROUS DOG, TO REVIEWING DPS DENIALS AND REVOCATIONS FOR HANDGUN LICENSES AND DRIVERS LICENSES. ADMINISTRATES WE HOLD YOU TO DETERMINE OWNERSHIP OF STOLEN PROPERTY AND CONSIDER THE ISSUE OF MENTAL HEALTH COURTS.

THE CASE THEN NEXT ON OUR SUICIDE VERY WIDELY FROM DAY-TO-DAY AND EVEN DOCKET THE DOCKET ON OUR SOUL DOCKET TRADITIONALLY MAY REQUIRE MORE TIME ON TASK THAN IT IS OUR, DOCKETS WHICH ACCOUNT FOR THE HIGHER VOLUME OF OUR FILINGS. OR CRIMINAL JURISDICTION IS OVE FINE ONLY AND CLASS C MISDEMEANORS TYPICALLY TOOK OFFENSE AND LOWER PENAL OFF OFFENSES. PLEASE ALSO INCLUDE SOME TESTS AND FAMILY VIOLENCE ASSAULTS.

CASE PROCESSING FOR CRIMINAL CASES INVOLVES ENTERING THE CAS AFTER A CITATION OR COMPLAINT I FILED, CASE PRESSING FOR CRIMINAL CASES INVOLVES ENTERIN THE CASES —- EXCUSE ME —- SETTING THE CASES FOR COURT, SENDING THE REQUIRED AND CAS CASINOS, COORDINATING WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND SPACE BAR PREPARING JUDGMENTS AND ORDERS, AND RECEIVING PAYMENTS, MODERN CASE FOR COMPLIANCE, AND PRESSING APPEALS. WE ALSO HAD A CRIMINAL CASE AGAINST JUVENILE OFFENDERS WHIC REQUIRE ADDITIONAL ATTENTION AN PROCEDURAL PROTECTIONS.

[05:45:04]

SERVICES. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> BEFORE WE DELVE INTO THE DATA AND PERFORMANCE METRICS, I MUST EMPHASIZE THAT I WAS ALONE CANNOT TELL THE WHOLE STORY.

JUST AS EACH OF US APPROACH PROFESSIONALLY WRITTEN BY THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, SO HAVE THE COURTS FELT THE EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC WE CONTINUE TO GRAPPLE WITH EVER-CHANGING SUPREME COURT EMERGENCY ORDERS, UP TO 46 DIFFERENT ORDERS AS OF TODAY, WHILE ALSO ADMITTING THE LEGISLATIVE CHANGES FROM THE 87TH LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS. BEACON THEATRE BELLS THE COURTS NEED TO RESUME DOCKETS AS WE AR UNDER OUR CURRENT AND FROM THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT TO DO SO, WITH OUR DUTY TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM UNNECESSARY EXPOSUR TO THE VIRUS.

AND WE DO ALL THIS IN THE MIDST OF THE UNCERTAINTY AND STRESS AND WELL SHORTSTAFFED FROM OUR OWN ACCESSIBILITY TOO TO THE VIRUS. NONETHELESS WE HAVE PROGRESSED IN OUR EFFORTS TO BECOME MORE TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED. WE RECENTLY COMPLETED A MAJOR CONVERSION AND UPGRADE OF OUR MOST RECENT VERSION OF THE TYLE ODYSSEY CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

THIS WILL ALLOW US TO INCORPORATE SOFTWARE ADD-ONS AN TO MAKE THE COURTS MORE EFFICIENT IN THE MIDST OF EXPANDING THE PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURTS.

WE HAVE IMPLEMENTED USE OF ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES AND RELEASE OF ELECTRONIC FILING.

WE REPLACE THE CREDIT CARD READERS ON ALL OF OUR COURTS TO COMPLY WITH THE COUNTIES TRANSITION IN THAT REGARD. WE HAVE CONTINUED TO UTILIZE AN FIND NEW USES FOR REMOTE AND HYBRID HEARINGS, ALL WHILE SUCCESSFULLY RESUMING SOME IN-PERSON DOCKETS AND JURY TRIALS. WHILE IT HAS BEEN A TRYING TIME I AM DEEPLY PROUD OF THE WORK THAT ARE JUSTICE COURTS HAVE ACCOMPLISHED AND THE FACT THAT WE HAVE REMAINED STEADFAST IN OUR MISSIONS DURING THIS ADVERSITY. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

>>> WE HAVE ALSO WORKED DILIGENTLY TO IMPLEMENT THIS NE BUDGET PROCESS AND ADOPT AND INCORPORATE THE IDEAS BEHIND PERFORMANCE-BASED BUDGETING INT OUR VOCABULARY.

ARE COURTS ROUTINELY MONITOR TH NUMBERS OF CASES FILED, CLEARANCE RATE AND NUMBERS OF CASES DISPOSED. THE AGE OF PENDING CASE, CASE DISPOSED IN WAYS OTHER THAN A CRIMINAL CONVICTION OR AND ADVERSARIAL TRIAL IN A CIVIL MATTER, AND THE NUMBER OF JURY TRIALS HELD ON WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT THESE METRICS THE ACCURATELY PAINTS THE PICTURE O THE IMPORTANT WORK THAT WE DO DAY IN AND DAY OUT. ESPECIALLY WHEN DILUTING

PANDEMIC-RELATED FACTORS ARE NO LONGER AN ISSUE. >>> WE ALSO HOPE TO IMPROVE BOTH EXIT TO THE COURT TO THESE TECHNOLOGICAL EFFICIENCIES. WE HAVE INCREASED THE MARGINALITY OF OUR WEBSITE AND HAVE PLANS TO DO MORE IN THE COMING YEAR, TO ALLOW INDIVIDUALS TO RESOLVE CRIMINAL CASES TO PAYMENTS ONLINE RATHER THAN A TRIP TO THE COURTHOUSE.

WE ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO UTILIZE THE E-FILE TEXAS.GOV TRANSFER TO ELECTRONICALLY FILE GOVERNMENTS WITH THE COURT AND TO AVOID THE PHYSICAL TRIP TO THE COURTHOUSE OR LAGGING MAIL

SERVICE. >>> AND WE MANAGE A VISIT TO OUR COURT WEBSITES WITH HOPE TO

SEE INCREASE WEBSITE TRAFFIC IN THE FUTURE. >>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

>>> AS FAR AS THE DATA GOES, MUST GIVE A SMALL CAVEAT: IN ADDITION TO HOW WE PROCESS CA CASES, THE PANDEMIC IS ALSO IMPACTED HOW MANY CASES WE HAVE TO PROCESS.

WHILE WE GENERALLY SEE INCREASE FROM YEAR TO YEAR AND MAKE CIVI FINES AND A SLIGHT DECREASE IN MAC CRIMINAL FILINGS MARQUISE WILLIAMS OUR OVERALL LOWER THAN PREPANDEMIC FIGURES.

WE EXPECT THAT ONCE WE ARE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS PANDEMIC ARE VOLUMES WILL INCREASE.

>>> IN THE FIRST TEN MONTHS O 2021 WE HAVE SEEN 85,525 NEW CIVIL CASE FILINGS AMONGST THE 16 JUSTICE COURTS. AND ALMOST 220 CASES —- 220,000 COLONEL CASES FILED.

AND WE ARE CURRENTLY PROJECTED TO HAVE AS MUCH AS A 4 PERCENT INCREASE IN FILINGS IN 2021 OVE

[05:50:02]

WHILE WE STRIVE FOR 100 PERCENT CLEARANCE RATE OR EVEN HIGHER, IF ABLE TO ADDRESS BACKLOG OF PREVIOUS YEARS CASE, WE KNOW WE ARE FACING A BACKLOG FROM THE PANDEMIC, LB AT A MANAGEABLE BACKLOG. HOWEVER, EVEN WITH THE RESTRICTIONS ON DOCKET SIZES, ISSUES WITH SCHEDULING, THE ABILITY TO CONDUCT JURY TRIAL WHO THE BETTER PART OF TWO YE YEARS, WE MAINTAINED AND 8 80 PERCENT CLEARANCE RATE FOR CIVIL CASESAND#G86 PERCENT CLEARANCE RATE FOR CRIMINAL CASES. IN TERMS OF THE, QUOTE-UNQUOTE, "LOCAL WHO IS BETTER OFF," MEXICO THAT IS HARD TO ENGAGE I A COURTROOM CONTEXT AND ADVERSARIAL PROCEEDING. THE LOSING PARTY MAY NOT ALWAYS AGREE THAT THEY WERE BETTER OFF.

BUT IN A COOLER CONTEXT WE ARE ABLE TO MEASURE HOW MANY DEFENDANTS PERHAPS HAD THEIR CASE RESOLVED WITHOUT A CRIMINA CONVICTION ON THE RECORD. THIS COULD BE BECAUSE PERHAPS THE STATE DISMISSES THE CASE FO WHATEVER REASON, BECAUSE THE DEFENDANT REMEDIES WHATEVER DEFECT FOR WHICH THEY WERE CI CITED, OR THE DEFENDANT PERHAPS RECEIVED A DEFERRED DISPOSITION OR OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE. AND COMPLETES THOSE SUCCESSFULL AND HAS THE CASE DISMISSED. IN THESE INSTANCES, NOW I THINK HER DECISION WAS ON THE DRIVING RECORD, AND IN 2021 DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL CASES DISPOSED WITHOUT CONVICTION RATE ANYWHER FROM AS LOW AS 6 PERCENT IN 1 QUART TO AS MUCH AS 72 PERCENT ON THE HIGH END.

SO MANY FACTORS GO INTO WHETHER A CASE WILL BE RESOLVED SORT OF A CONVICTION.

THE ABILITY TO GET A DEFERRED DRIVING SAFETY COURSE DEPENDS O THE TYPE OF OFFENSE FOR EXAMPLE.

THIS IS CONTROL OVER WHETHER OR NOT I CASES PROSECUTED OR DISMISSED.

AND SOME COURTS HAVE HAD MORE DOCKETS THAN OTHERS. NEVERTHELESS ANY DEFENDANTS COUNTED IN THESE PERCENTAGES PERHAPS MIGHT ARGUE THAT THEY ARE BETTER OFF WITHOUT A CONVICTION WHICH AGAIN WOULD BE —- COULD BE REMOVED AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A

PROBATION. >>> IN CIVIL CASES, IF PARTIE CANNOT AGREE TO A RESOLUTION BROUGHT THE MATTER WILL BE TRIE BEFORE A JUDGE OR JURY. PRIOR TO THAT THE POINT CAN NONSUIT THE CASE. THE PRICE CAN REACH AN AGREEMEN ON THEIR OWN OR WITH OR WITHOUT MEDIATION. REPORT ULTIMATELY BE AGREE TO THE OUTCOME WITHIN DEGREES IN A JUDGMENT OR NOT AND IN 20 2023 PERCENT OF CIVIL CASES RESOLVED PRIOR TO TRIAL RANGE ANYWHERE FROM 26 TO 67 PERCENT PARCEL A WIDE RANGE. HOWEVER, ANY CASES AS A RESULT OF A CAR ONLY SERVE TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ADVERSARIAL TRIAL NECESSARY AND DECREASED THE

LIKELIHOOD THAT PARTIES WILL COMPLY. >>> WE COULD NOT INCLUDE DATA FOR EACH OF CASES AS WE ARE STILL DEVELOPING THE APPROPRIAT AND ACCURATE REPORTS TO EASILY AND ACCURATELY CAPTURE THAT INFORMATION. BUT FOR THE NUMBER OF JURY TRIALS HELD BUT THOSE NUMBERS ARE STEADILY ZERO OR VERY LOW GIVEN THE INABILITY FOR JUSTICE COURTS TO HOLD TRIALS FOR MOST OF THE PAST TWO YEARS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO TRACK AND REPORT THAT DATA THIS NEXT YEAR AND BEYOND. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

>>> IN TERMS OF TECHNOLOGY AN ACCESS TO JUSTICE THE JUSTICE COURTS THE CM TO REPRESENT PREDICTED INCREASE IN LAKESITE TRAFFIC IN 2021 OVER 2020. REMEMBER WE ONLY HOPE IT CONTINUES TO GROW, AS WE HAVE ENCOURAGED PARTIES TO UTILIZE THE SEEK PLANNING OPTIONS.

WE SEEK WERE A 31 PERCENT INCREASE IN ELECTRONIC FILED ENVELOPES THIS YEAR OVER LAST AND FOR THOSE ROLE PAYMENTS MAD OVER THE WEBSITE AS OPPOSED TO PERSONS HAVING TO COME WE'LL BE COURT IN PAN COLONEL TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS, IN 2021 THUS FAR WE HAVE SEEN ANYWHERE FROM 27 TO 71 PERCENT OF CASES RESOLVED THE WAY NOTE PAYMENT.

AGAIN, THIS COULD BE AFFECTED B THE TYPES OF CASES FILED FROM COURT TO COURT.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> NOW, FILER, MOVING ON TO THE ACTUAL JUSTICE COURTS BUDGE REQUESTS AND WHY WE ARE HERE. MANY OF THE COURTS ARE REQUESTING THEIR PEERS LEVELS O FUNDING WITH NO ADDITIONAL FUND AT THIS TIME. THAT SAID, IF WE ARE SUPPORTIVE OF OTHER DEPARTMENT REQUESTS THAT MAY AID OR BENEFIT OUR COURTS, AND RECENTLY APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS AS WE SEE HOW THE PANDEMIC RECOVERY PLAYS OUT IN FRONT OF US. FIVE OF OUR COURTS ARE REQUESTING ADDITIONAL FUNDS ON BECAUSE THESE ARE REQUESTS FOR MY COLLEAGUES COURTS AND NOT MY

[05:55:07]

OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THE SAME. >>> AS I SAID EARLIER, OUR COURTS ARE GENERALLY VERY EFFICIENT IN HOW WE OPERATE. I THINK ALL THIS WOULD ARGUE THAT WE COULD USE MORE STAFF, ALTHOUGH NOT ALL OF US ARE READ TO REQUEST THAT THIS POINT. HOWEVER, THE BOOK OF THE ADDITIONAL BUDGET REQUESTS FROM THE JUSTICE COURTS THIS YEAR FALL INTO THE AREA OF STAFFING WITH RECORDS REQUESTING TO BE ABLE TO FILL ALREADY LISTING PART OR FULL-TIME POSITIONS.

YOU HEARD FROM ED WELLS, COURT MANAGER EARLIER TODAY. AS PART OF HIS BUDGET REQUEST H INCLUDED A DELPHI STUDY TO SUPPLEMENT THE EXISTING RATED STAFF WORKLOAD 30 BY THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR STATE COURT IN NOVEMBER OF 2018. IN THE PAST RELIED ON THE STUDY AS JUSTIFICATION FOR ADDITIONAL STAFFING REQUESTS AS THE STUDY PRESENTS US WITH AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT OF HOW MANY CLERKS WERE NECESSARY TO PROCESS EACH COURTS CASELOAD BASED ON THE ASSIGNED WEIGHTS GIVEN TO VARIOUS CASE TYPES. LIKE EVER SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN, ASHLEY COURTS HAVE SEEN CHANGE IN HOW WE PROCESS CASES. ZOOM HE SAID THE TECHNOLOGICAL PROBLEMS AND CHILDREN THEY BR BRING, INCREASE RESEARCH AND MORE PEOPLE SHOWING UP FOR, QUOTE-UNQUOTE, "LOCAL VIRTUAL HEARING SCHOOL, WHICH WILL COURSE, HAZEL RESULTED IN MORE CLICKS TIME REQUIRED TO PROCESS AN INDIVIDUAL CASE. AND ARGUABLY THIS WOULD MEAN CASE RATES SHOULD INCREASE FOR EACH OF THE VARIOUS CASE TYPES. AND WHEN APPLIED TO CURRENT FILING MEMBERS EVEN SEE A DEFICIT IN THE NUMBER OF CLICKS NECESSARY UNDER THE STAFFING STUDY, MEANING WE WOULD NEED MORE CLERKS. HOWEVER, THOSE WHICH CANNOT BE ADJUSTED WITHOUT FURTHER STUDY, AND THEREFORE AT THIS TIME THE NATIONAL CENTER IS RECOMMENDING THAT WE NOT RELY ON THE EXISTIN STAFF STUDY AS AN INDICATOR OF IDEAL STAFFING LEVELS BECAUSE ADEQUATE STAFFING IS SO IMPORTANT TO ALLOW US TO OPERAT EFFICIENT COURTS.

SUPPORT THE FUNDING REQUESTS AN SUPPORT THE FUNDING REQUEST FOR THE DELPHI STUDY TO SUBMIT THE

JUSTICE COURTS EXISTING STAFFIN WORKLOAD STUDY. >>> HOWEVER, MY COLLEAGUES MICK VICE PRESIDENT PENCE 51, AND 562 ARE REQUESTING ADDITIONAL STAFF BUT JUST NEED FUNDING TO FILL. ONCE FILLED, THOUGH, THIS WOULD MEAN MORE CLICKS ABLE TO PROCES CASES, RESULTING IN MORE DISPOSITION, SHORTER TIMES FOR DISPOSITION AND A BETTER JUSTIC SYSTEM ALL TOGETHER. THIS WILL HELP US INITIATING OU PRESENT PROMOTING JUSTICE AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF JUSTICE, AND IT ALIGNS WITH THE COUNTY'S PRIORITY OUTCOMES BY REDUCING UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE TO THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM. AND USUALLY THE COPIES OF BOTH THE CRIMINAL AND CIVIL JUSTICE SYSTEMS, PROVIDING OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CULTIVATIN

A DIVERSE AND EFFECTIVE WORKPLACE. >>> ALLOW ME TO POINT OUT ONE ADDITIONAL CHANGE TO THIS PARTICULAR SLIDE: AS THIS POWERPOINT WAS PREPARED AND SUBMITTED MY COLLEAGUE IN JP 61 ALSO REQUEST ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE ADDITION OF TWO FULL-TIME POSITIONS. THIS WOULD CHANGE THIS PARTICULAR SLIDE TWO THE COST O HIS PORTION, SIKSIKA ONE TO A COST OF 94916 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 AND 164522 ALTAR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 BUNKER BEACH THOSE FIGURES SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE BUDGET PACKET IF YOU NEED

MORE INFORMATION ON THIS SPECIFIC REQUEST. >>> NEXT LINE, PLEASE.

>>> ALONG THE SAME LINE MY COLLEAGUES MICK JP 4-1 AND 8-1 ARE REQUESTING ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO PROVIDE VARIOUS INCENTIVES FOR EXISTING EMPLOYEES IN AN EFFORT TO RETAI THEIR QUALIFIED CLERK WORKFORCE BUT I'M SURE I SPEAK FOR ALL MY COLLEAGUES WHEN I SEE THAT WE AIM TO ATTRACT, TRAIN, AND ESPECIALLY RETAIN QUALIFIED CLERK'S.

AS OUR CREWS ARE INTEGRAL TO OU ABILITIES TO PROMOTE JUSTICE. EMPLOYEES ARE SATISFIED AND FEE APPRECIATED WILL BETTER SERVE OUR COURTS, AND WE CAN MAKE OUR CLERKS FEEL APPRECIATED THROUGH OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENTS AND FINANCIAL INCENTIVES, WHETHER THEY BE MERIT-BASED OR LONGEVITY BASED INCENTIVES, WHICH ARE WHAT YOU SEE HERE ON THIS PARTICULAR

SLIDE. >>> NEXT LINE, PLEASE. >>> OR THROUGH PERHAPS EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVES AS EMPLOYEES WERE BETTER EDUCATED PARENTS WILL PROMOTE MORE

[06:00:01]

VARIOUS LEVELS OF EDUCATIONAL TRAINING. >>> NEXT LINE.

>>> I BELIEVE ARE WE ON YOUR TEAM? —- ARE WE ON 13?

THANK YOU. >>> PART OF OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE FAIR NOTICE AND MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITIES TO BE HEARD UPON EACH PERSON IS ENTITLED TO THEIR DAY IN COURT, OF COURSE, AND IT IS INCUMBENT UPON OUR COURTS TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM LEVEL OF NOTICE TO PARTIES NEEDING TO BE IN COURT. CURRENTLY WE DO THIS THROUGH TH MAIL AND WHILE WE ARE WORKING T INTIMATE OPTIONS FOR ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATIONS, THE CURRENT NEED TO SEND NUMEROUS NOTICES AND TH COST OF POSTAGE HAS LEFT SOME COURTS WITH A SENSE OF INSUFFICIENT POSTAGE BUDGETS.

JP 4-1 IN PARTICULAR HAS RELIED IN PRIOR YEARS OF ROEHLER FUNDS TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT POSTAGE FUNDING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. BUT WILL ALSO ROLLOVER FUNDS, THE COURT IS NOW ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO ENSURE THEY CAN MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE POSTAGE BUDGET TO MEET THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR NOTICE. THIS BUDGET REQUEST IS DIRECTLY SUPPORTED BY THE COUNTY'S PRIORITY OUTCOME TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM SO AS T PROVIDE OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE PHONE SIMILARLY IN ORDE TO MAINTAIN THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE CURRENTLY PROVIDED TO OUR CONSTITUENTS, JP 8-1 IS REQUESTING ADDITIONAL FUNDING T ACCOUNT FOR THE COST OF INFLATION AS SEEN IN GENERAL

OFFICE SUPPLIES. >>> WE COULD GO TO SLIDE 14. I BELIEVE WE ARE TWO BACK.

PERHAPS THREE. ONE MORE, PLEASE. TECHNOLOGY AND CONFERENCE ROOM,

THANK YOU. THIS IS WHERE WE ARE NOW. >>> INITIALLY JP 8-160 FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR NEW COMPANY STABLE AND FOR LOGICAL SUBSCRIPTIONS AND UPGRADES ALL IN AN EFFORT TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EFFICIENT, OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PROVIDE NECESSARY MEETING SPACE FOR PARTY TO DISCUSS CASES AND HOPEFULLY RESOLVE CASES PRIOR T

TRIAL. >>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> THE THIRD AREA IN WHICH COURTS ARE REQUESTING ADDITIONA FUNDS BEYOND OUR CURRENT BUDGET IS THAT IN THE REALM OF SEC SECURITY. WHILE ONLY ONE CORE IS REQUESTING ADDITIONAL FUNDS, I COMMIT MY COLLEAGUE FOR THINKIN OUTSIDE THE BOX IN COMING UP WITH A SOLUTION FOR SECURITY PROBLEM THAT AFFECTS MANY OF OU COURTS. THE DISCOURSE TO HAVE A SERIOUS LACK OF SECURITY PROTECTIONS, AND WHEN IT COMES TO COURTROOM SECURITY EXPERTS HAVE OFTEN SAI THAT IT IS NOT ABOUT WHEN AN ISSUE WILL ARRIVE —- WHETHER AN ISSUE WILL ARRIVE BUT IT IS ABOUT WHEN ONE WILL ARISE. AND WE ALL RECALL THE TRAGIC MURDER OF OUR FRIEND CHIEF DEPUTY GREENWOOD IN THE PARKING LOT OF ONE OF OUR ANNEXES. I KNOW I AM JOINED BY ALL OF OU COLLEAGUES WHEN I SEE THE COURT SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS MUST BE A PRIORITY.

>>> JUDGE WILLIAMSON, FOR EXAMPLE, MY COOPER CITY JUDGE MICK JP PRECINCT EIGHT-PLACEMEN HAS DETECTED THAT OBTAINED A METAL DETECTOR AND WEAPONS SCANNING EQUIPMENT ALREADY BUT IS NOT IN NEED OF PERSONNEL TO MANUSCRIPT. MEETING WITH PRECINCT ONE CONSTABLES, THE FUNDS REQUESTED HERE WILL COVER THE COST OF POSITIONS UNDER THE COUNTY'S

CONTRACTS TO PROVIDE A NEEDED SECURITY SCREENING. >>> I KNOW WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT IT IS THE DUTY OF OUR COURTS AND THE COUNTY TO PROVID SAFE FACILITIES AT WHICH

CITIZENS CAN ACCESS THE COURSE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS. >>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

>>> THAT CONCLUDE THE INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS.

THESE REQUESTS ONLY AMOUNTS TO 1.7 PERCENT OF ARGENTINE BUDGET FOR ALL 16 COURTS.

I ANTICIPATE THAT OTHER COURTS WILL HAVE ADDITIONAL REQUESTS I THE NEXT BUDGET CYCLE.

PERHAPS AFTER SEEING SOME OF THESE, AND MOST LIKELY IS WE CONTINUE TO DEAL WITH THE IMPAC

OF THE PANDEMIC. >>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> A LOOK AHEAD.

THE SPRINGLEE TO OUR LEFT SLIDE AND A LOOK AT WHAT THE JUSTICE COURT HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH ON A LARGE SCALE IN THE NEXT YEAR. IN THE NEXT COUPLE MONTHS WE HOPE TO BEGIN A PROGRAM TO INTRODUCE ONLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION WITH PILOT TECHNOLOGIES ALLOWING PARTY TO MEDIATE DISPUTES ON THEIR TIME, FROM ANYWHERE, WITHOUT THE NEED FOR COURT APPEARANCE, ALL WITH

[06:05:04]

WHILE THIS WILL NOT BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR LIFE MEDIATION, IT WILL HOPEFULLY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CASES DURING A TRIAL OR A LIVE MEDIATOR. AND INCREASE THE NUMBER OF CASE RESOLVED PRIOR TO TRIAL ON THE PARTIES TERMS ARE WE ARE EXCITE TO SEE HOW THIS PILOT GOES AND

ANTICIPATE REPORTING THAT BACK TO THE COURT. >>> WE ALSO PLAN TO INTIMATE ELECTRONIC• THE PARTIES HOPEFULLY TO REDUCE PAPER AND POSTAGE EXPENSES AND QUICKTIME IN PREPARING AND MAILING NOT NOTICES. AND TEXT MESSAGE REMINDERS TO DEFEND HOPEFULLY LOWER THE NONAPPEARANCE RATE. WE HAD TO FIRST GET THROUGH OUR CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM UPGRADE TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THESE IMPROVEMENTS BUT ARE EXCITED TO SEE HOW THESE OPTIONS CAN HELP MAKE OUR COURTS MORE EFFICIENT AND BETTER SERVE THE PUBLIC.

>>> WE ARE ALSO STILL IN THE MIDST OF THE HOUSING CRISIS, AN WHILE WE AS JUDGES HAVE TAKEN THE OATH TO, AND JUST THE CASES FILED IN OUR COURTS, WHILE APPLYING THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, AND REMAINING NEUTRAL AND IMPARTIAL, WE RECOGNIZE THA OUR ROLE AS PROBATION COURTS HA NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT. WAYNE STATE CONTINUED COMPLIANC WITH THE RECENT SUPREME COURT EMERGENCY ORDERS ON THAT SUBJEC AND CONTINUED DILIGENCE IN CONNECTING PARTIES WITH EVICTIO DIVERSION RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE, SUCH AS THE HOUSTON HARRIS HEALTH PROGRAM MIGHT COURT, JP 1-1, FOR EXAMPLE, HAS DEDICATED A CLERK TO THE ROLLOU AN EVICTION DIVERSION LIAISON FOR JUST THAT PURPOSE, TO CONNECT PARTIES TO AVAILABLE RESOURCES.

AND I KNOW MANY OF MY COLLEAGUE —- COLLEAGUES MAKING THE SAME O MORE EFFORTS OR SIMILAR BONE FINALLY WE CONTINUE TO WORK ON DEVELOPING REPORTS. WE LOOK AT IT TO WORK ON BUILDING UP WORK WILL CONTINUE TO TRACK AND ENFORCE PERFORMANC METRICS AND ALSO CONTINUE TO RESUME JURY TRIALS IN ALL COURT TO ADDRESS THE BACKLOG CREATED BY THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC.

FROM A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE WE JUS SAW AN INCREASE IN CIVIL FILING FEES AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS MONTH, AND WE WILL SOON SEE CHANGES TO THE RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE TO PROVIDE FURTHER PROTECTIONS FOR CIVIL DEBTORS. ALL THESE CHANGES TAKE TIME AND EFFORT TO IMPLEMENT IN TRAINING FOR OURSELVES, OUR STAFFS AND THE PUBLIC, AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE OFFICE OF CREDIT

ADMINISTRATION TO HELP US IN THOSE ENDEAVORS. >>> IN CLOSING, I THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE JUSTICE COURTS AND URGE YOU TO APPROPRIATE THE FUNDING REQUESTED FOR OUR COURTS AT THE LEVELS PRESENTED HERE IN THIS DISCUSSION.

THESE ARE NECESSARY EXPENSES FO THE CONSEQUENCES OF INSUFFICIEN FUNDING THAT AFFECT NOT ONLY OU COURTS IN OUR COUNTIES REPUTATION, BUT MORE IMPORTANTL THE RIGHTS OF ALL OF OUR CITIZENS TO HAVE ACCESS TO OUR COURT SYSTEM. THANK YOU AGAIN, I APPRECIATE

YOUR TIME THIS AFTERNOON. >>> >> THANK YOU, CHAD CARTER.

ANY OF MY COLLEAGUES HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? —- JUDGE CARTER.

TO ANY OF MY COLLEAGUES HAVE A QUESTION? DOES NOT I KNOW JUDGE CARINO WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR JOINING US. I KNOW YOU GUYS HAVE SOME REQUESTS BECAUSE OF THE CASELOA BURDEN. AND I ASKED THIS QUESTION EARLIER OF THE PROBATE COURTS AND I JUST WANT TO HEAR FROM YO GUYS AS WELL ON AND THAT IS WHA ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF THESE INCREASED CASE BURDENS. WE KNOW ON THE CRIMINAL SIDE, THE FOUNDER AND MISDEMEANOR COURSE, IT'S BASICALLY, YOU K KNOW, DUE PROCESS ISSUES AND

RELATED ISSUES THAT WE ARE ALL AWARE OF. >>> FOR YOU GUYS, AND PROBATE MENTIONED THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO CHECK-IN FROM THE GUARDIANSHIPS THAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE

CHECKING IN ON. WHAT ABOUT YOU GUYS. >>> FORGIVE ME RIBC —- MULTILEVEL —- THAT ARE MAKING SPECIFIC REQUESTS. JUDGE TO VENUE FOR EXAMPLE IS PRESENT. PERHAPS HE CAN ADDRESS THAT SPECIFIC QUESTION AS IT RELATES TO HIS SPECIFIC COURT. QUESTION, JUDGE HIDALGO, WHEN I COMES TO BACKLOG, THE NUMBER ON THING I CAN THINK OF OFF THE TO OF MY HEAD OF THE QUALITY OF SERVICE.

I MEAN, THIS WEEK I HAD SOME DEFAULT HEARING CASES THAT I WA HEARING BACK, I MEAN, FROM LITERALLY 2016. AND SO THESE ARE ACTUAL SMALL CLAIMS OR SOME THAT CLAIM LOSSE THAT WERE FILED BY THE PLAI PLAINTIFF'S AND THEREFORE THE DEFENDANT DID THAT TO THE ACTUA PETITION, AND SO, IN THEORY, TH WAY THAT GOES, THEY HAVE I BELIEVE 14 DAYS TO ANSWER IT.

AFTER THAT THE ACTUAL PLAINTIFF CAN ASK FOR A DEFAULT HEARING. AND SO MY COURT I DON'T LIKE TO JUST SIGN OFF ON THE ACTUAL DEFAULT JUDGMENTS, AND TO GIVE THE DEFENDANT ONE MORE CHANCE, ONE MORE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW UP. SO WE ARE TRYING TO KIND OF MAKES IN SOME OF OUR OLD BACKLO

[06:10:02]

LIKE I SAID, MONDAY I HAD ONE FROM 2016 ANSWER LITERALLY IS WHERE I AM OUT ON THE OLD STACK OF CASES IN ANOTHER OFFICE RIGH NOW THAT WE ARE GOING THROUGH I MY COURT HERE.

SO NUMBER ONE THING I WOULD SAY IS THE QUALITY OF SERVICE. I'M SORRY, GO AHEAD, JUDGE PEAC AND THOSE ARE GREAT EXAMPLES AN SUPER TO BUILD ON WHAT JUDGE TREVINO SAID IS THAT IN GENERAL CASE WOULD CONTINUE TO GET STAL AND THAT PARTIES WOULD NOT BE AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY, THEIR DAY IN COURT THAT THEY ARE OTHERWISE ENTITLED TO WITHOUT THESE ADDITIONAL STAFFING.

>> DO YOU HAVE AN ESTIMATE OF THE LENGTH OF TIME FOR SOME OF THESE BACKLOG CASES, JUDGE TREVINO? IF YOU DON'T KNOW OFF THE TOP O YOUR HEAD, I AM JUST WONDERING LIKE WHAT TYPES OF CASES MIGHT THESE BE. YEAH, JUDGE CARTER.

>> I KNOW WE ARE WORKING ON DEVELOPING THOSE, JUDGE P OH, YES, JUDGE WILLIAMSON.

>> THANK YOU JUDGE. WE DO MEASURE THAT METRIC ACTUALLY IN OUR COURT TO KEEP TRACK OF HOW LONG IT TAKES FROM WHEN A CASE IS FILED TILL DISPOSITION, AND HOW LONG THE BACKLOG IS. CERTAINLY IT WAS LARGER DURING 2020 AND THE BEGINNING OF 2021, AS THE COURT TO REOPEN MORE ALTERING 2021 ARE WE REDOUBLED OUR EFFORTS AND TRIED TO HAVE MORE —- OBVIOUSLY WITH MORE VOLUME PER DOCKET, JUST TRYING TO HAVE MORE AND MORE DOCKETS.

AND OPEROSE, OUR DEPARTMENT IN TIME AND CIVIL CASES —- EXCUSE ME —- SOMEWHERE BETWEEN LIKE SI AND EIGHT MONTHS ON A SUITCASE, WHICH IS REALLY IN LINE WHERE I SHOULD BE FUN AND WE HAVE JUST NOW GOT BACK TO THAT RANGE FROM WORKING SO HARD DURING 2021. AND OTHER CRIMINAL SIDE WE HAVE MOSTLY CAUGHT UP AND DOCKETS, ESPECIALLY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DAS OFFICE AS CASE BECOME OLD AND STALE AND THOSE OFFICER MIGHT NOT EVEN BE EMPLOYED ANYMORE, AND THE ABILITY TO PROVE THOSE CASES AND GETTING SOME OLD STUFF CLEARED OUT AND TRYING TO GET JURY TRIALS HELD, WHICH MY COURT IS ONE OF THE COURTS THAT HAD BEEN HOLDING TH CRIMINAL JURY TRIALS.

AND THAT HAS HELPED ALLEVIATE A LOT OF THE BACKLOG. WE ARE NOT COMPLETELY, BUT WE WILL TAKE AT THIS PACE, NOW WHA THE OMICRON SLOWED DOWN OBVIOUSLY, BUT WHEN THAT GRANTS HOPEFULLY AND WE CAN START PICKING UP THAT DOCKET CAPACITY AGAIN, THEN WE SHOULD HAVE, AND PEACE IN MY COURT WITH THE BACKLOG CLEANUP ON I HOPE, I AM PROTECTED BY HALFWAY THROUGH

2022. >> I MEAN, I THINK OBVIOUSLY AS YOU GUYS HAVE HEARD, THESE ARE VERY TIGHT BUDGET DECISIONS TO MAKE AND A LOT OF IT IS THERE FOR ME, ANY OF OUR JUDGES NOT BEING ABLE TO DEAL WITH THIS BACKLOG ON AND SO I JUST WANT T REALLY UNDERSTAND THE IMPLICATIONS OF THAT. BUT YEAH, I WOULD ASK THAT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR DIG INTO THIS, JUST AS WHAT THE PROBATE COURT JUDGES WERE MENTIONING. BECAUSE I WOULD HATE FOR THIS T BECOME AN INTRACTABLE PROBLEM THE COUNTY COURT AND ITS RECORD ISSUES HAVE PRETTY MUCH BECOME NOW. I MEAN, WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS, BUT THIS A PRETTY BIG MOUNTAIN

TO CLIMB. >>> NOW I WOULD AGREE WITH Y YOU, JUDGE, AND THE WAY THAT WE STAY HERE THAT IS BY HAVING WELL-TRAINED, I MEAN, OBVIOUSLY THE BIGGEST REQUEST BIGGEST EXPENSE INJUSTICE BECAUSE, AS JUDGE CARTER HAS SO ELOQUENTLY PUT OUT THERE, IS HAVING GOOD QUALITY TRAIN CLERKS. AND YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT THAT SHEER VOLUME INJUSTICE COURSE, THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE VERY WELL-QUALIFIED, AND JUST LIKE I EVERY OTHER DEPARTMENT, THEY AR UNDERPAID. SO INCENTIVES AND LONGEVITY PAY IS SO IMPORTANT.

TRAINING GIVE THEM THAT AND MAKES THEM PROFESSIONALS, AND THAT IS REALLY KEY IN MAKING SURE THAT THE COURSE CAN MAINTAIN EVERYTHING THAT'S CHANGING EVERYDAY AND BEING ABL TO STAY UP TO SPEED AND HANDLE BACKLOG AND EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE PAN

PANDEMIC. >> DID YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO A ADD, CHANGE QUICKLY, THANK YOU EVERYONE. I WANTED TO ADDRESS —- JUST, YO ARE COMING IN VERY FAR AWAY SO IF YOU'RE ABLE TO GET CLOSER IN YOUR MICROPHONE, IT WOULD HELP, THANK YOU IS OKAY, THAT BETTER?

>> YEAH. >> HI, EVERYONE I'D LIKE TO THINK JUDGE CARTER AND KOBE LETTING JUDGE LAMSON FOR PRESENTING THIS THAT WE HAVE BU SPECIFICALLY WITH TRAINING HIS

[06:15:06]

CRIMINAL DISPUTES. THANK YOU. >> NOTED.

>>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS IF WE MOVE ON TO JUVENILE PROBATION? COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. OF THE STATE JUDGES, JUSTICE CARTER, I AM WONDERING, HAS THERE BEEN ANY DISCUSSIONS AMON THE JUDGES ABOUT TRYING TO REDUCE THE BURDEN ON OUR CITIZENS WHO COME TO YOU ALL AN THEY ARE DELINQUENT ON THEIR VARIOUS FINES? GENERALLY THOSE WHO ARE DELINQUENT IN MANY CASE BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE THE MONEY.

I KNOW WHEN JUDGE GRAHAM WAS THERE, HE TALKS TO ME ABOUT WE WERE DISCUSSING THE POSSIBILITY OF BRINGING THE PROPERTY HAS COLLECTION PROCESS IN-HOUSE. IT WOULD MAKE SENSE TO BRING THAT IN-HOUSE. AND I KNOW IT COSTS MONEY TO DO THAT, BUT THAT IS A ONE-TIME EXPENSE. SOME OF IT WE COULD USE OUR POWER MONEY TO DO IT.

I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD EN UP WITH THESE VERY OUTRAGEOUS FEES BECAUSE OF ITS 30 PERCENT, I THINK, OR WHATEVER PENALTY IS. IS THE PRESENT THAT'S ADDED TO REDUCE WITHOUT COLLECTION? I WANT TO KNOW WHAT DISCUSSION HAS BEEN ABOUT THAT. I KNOW, THE MANAGER IS LIST LISTENING, I HOPE, BECAUSE I LIKE TO THROUGH THE INTO THE MI FOR ARPA MONEY.

I KNOW FOR THE VENDOR IT'S A GOOD DEAL BUT IT'S A HELL OF A POSITION TO BE POOR, AND A LOT OF PEOPLE END UP, YOU KNOW, RESET BACK IN LIFE. AND I KNOW WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE.

I KNOW WHAT LANGUAGE IS FIRST LANGUAGE FOR MANY OF THEM. BUT HAVE YOU ALL DISCUSSED THAT?

>>> THANK YOU, MISHAKOV FOR THE QUESTION. AND THE ANSWER IS, OF COURSE, W CONSTANTLY DISCUSSES ISSUES, AN WE ALWAYS WORKED TO IMPROVE OUR COLLECTION PROCESSES ACROSS THE COURTS. AND BEFORE IT EVEN GETS THAT OFTEN TIMES BEFORE IT EVEN GETS TO A COLLECTION PROCESS, OR AT VARIOUS STAGES THROUGHOUT THAT PRESSURE THERE'S ALWAYS OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE COURTS TO ADDRESS PARTICULAR CASES AND TO WHERE THE CONCERNS OF THE PARTICULAR DEFENDANTS, PERHAPS TO CONVERT THOSE TO SOME OTHER REMEDY PERHAPS, COMMUNITY SERVICE OR TO EVEN WAIVE THOSE FINES AND FEES THAT ARE ASSOCIATED.

THESE ARE THINGS THAT, OF CO COURSE, WE WORK ON FREQUENTLY, CONSTANTLY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO TRY TO MAKE OUR LEVEL SERVIC BETTER AND BETTER FOR THE FOLKS THAT COME INTO OUR COURTS.

>> AND I WILL, IF YOU DON'T MIN COOKUS ANTHONY, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION ON AND IN EVERY SINGLE CASE WHEN YOU'R TALKING ABOUT CRIMINAL FINES BEING INCREMENTED, TO BE JUDGED BY LAW IS REQUIRED, AND ADVOCAT FOR THIS AND INSIST ON IT, WHETHER THEY HAVE THE ABILITY T PAY. SO IF SOMEBODY DOESN'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO PAY ON THE DAY THAT THEY ARE FIND IS RENDERED, THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SATISFY THAT YOU COMMUNITY SERVICE. IF THERE IS A BURDEN WAIVER IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE AND THAT IS HAPPENING EVERY DAY AND ALL THE JUSTICE COURTS ACROSS THE SYSTE IN HERE SCOTT COHEN THAT WE ARE ALL MUCH OF THAT WAS REQUIRED T ASK THAT, AND SO THE THOUGHT OF —- IN YOUR WORDS ARE MORE PEOPL NOT BEING ABLE TO AFFORD THE FINES, THAT IS ADDRESSED RIGHT UP FRONT AS SOON AS THOSE FINES ARE ASSESSED. SO YOU DON'T SEE IT AS A PRO PROBLEM?

>>> I DO NOT SEE IT AS A PRO PROBLEM. I MEAN, CERTAINLY —- AND LET ME JUST SAY, COMMISSIONER, EVEN IN THE LAW THERE IS THE ABILITY FO SOMEBODY'S FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES TO HAVE CHANGED. SOMEBODY MIGHT SAY TODAY, OH Y YES, I CAN AFFORD THAT, I WANT IT ON A PAYMENT PLAN, I WANT TO DO TO REDUCE SERVICE." HOWEVER PEOPLE DECIDE TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR FINE, IF THEY DON'T AND THEIR FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE THAT THEY ARE WELCOME TO COME BACK TO THE COURT THROUGH A RESOLUTION DOCKET.

ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS ASK, IT CAN BE REDETERMINED, RIGHT OR S I HAD A JOB WHEN IT TOOK MY PLE AND DECIDED TO PAY HIS FINE BUT NOW I HAVE LOST AND CANNOT PAY IT NOW.

SO THAT IS AVAILABLE THROUGH TH STATUTE AND THROUGH OUR COURTS, 100 PERCENT.

>> SPEAKER22: JONES. HOW OFTEN DOES THAT HAPPEN IN YOUR COURT, JUDGE WILLIAMS?

>>> THAT HAPPENS EVERY DAY. WHENEVER WE HAVE CRIMINAL CASES TRAFFIC CASES, IT HAPPENS EVERY

[06:20:08]

WHEN THAT FINE IS A SENSE, ARE YOU ABLE TO PAY IT. IF THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT, OR I' ON HARD TIMES, OR I'M UNEM UNEMPLOYED, OR I'M WORKING MULTIPLE JOBS, OR WHATEVER IS THEIR SITUATION, THAT IS INCORPORATED INTO EVERY SINGLE DEFENDANT EVERY DAY, SO IT HAPPENS. EVEN OUT THE WINDOW ASSUMING THIS COMES AND WANTS TO PAY, AL THE CLOUDS HAVE STANDING ORDER THAT THEY ARE ALLOWED TO ASK THEM HOW THEY WANT TO TAKE CARE OF IT, THROUGH ALTERNATIVE SOURCES, WHETHER IT IS COMMUNIT SERVICE, PAYMENT PLANS, OR WAIVER IF THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THAT. THANK YOU.

THAT THE CASE ON THE JUDGES THA ARE ONLINE, IS NOT A PROBLEM IN TERMS OF EXCESSIVE FEES AND PENALTIES FOR PEOPLE WHO COME BEFORE YOU? I'LL LET DELACOURT SPEAK WITH ABOUT MEAN IT IS REQUIRED IN TH STATUTE THAT WE ASKED THAT TO HELP THAT THEY ARE DOING AND I'

SURE ALL MY COLLEAGUES ARE DOIN THAT. >> NAUSEA.

AND I'M DOING IT. THANK YOU, COACH ALI, AND THIS IS ONE OF.

WE ARE DOING IT IN OUR COURT TO IN OUR CREWS ARE VERY EDUCATED ON THEIR PART AS WELL, COMMISSIONER CAPTAIN ABLE TO AS THAT. SOMETIMES WHEN THEY ARE THERE, THEY WILL ACTUALLY SPEAK TO ME AT THE JUDGE, YOU KNOW, CAN I SET UP THE HEARING DATE TO SPEA WITH THE JUDGE ABOUT THIS BECAUSE SOME MIGHT SAY, HEY, I LOST MY GIANT TODAY MY FIND IS LIKE $300 A PAYMENT OR WHATEVER ACTION IT IS OUR WHAT PENALTY I IS IS THAT THEY WILL, AND SECON "I LOST MY JOB BUT TODAY I HAVE YOU KNOW, $150 AND I DO HAVE THAT TODAY, AND I WISH I COULD PAY MORE. CAN DO THE REMAINDER IN COMMUNITY SERVICE CORTICAL OR THEY MAY COME IN AND ASKED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE. BUT I KNOW THAT MY STAFF IN OUR COURT, THEY HAVE A CHECKLIST THAT ASKS THOSE QUESTIONS. BY STATUTE.

AND IF THEY WERE TO MEET WITH M TO TRY TO GET, YOU KNOW, A LESSER FEE THAT WE CAN GET BY LAW, THEN THEY WILL COME AND TALK TO US. BUT WE DON'T HAVE THAT IS A BIGGER ISSUE WITH THAT, BECAUSE I THINK WHEN WE EDUCATE THEM AT THE WINDOW NONA THEY USUALLY SA OKAY, I'LL GO AHEAD AND ENTER INTO A PAYMENT PLAN. HOW MUCH CAN I PAY ON AND THEN THEY USUALLY COME UP WITH IT. OKAY, "CAN I PAY HUNDRED DOLLAR TODAY AND HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO PAY IT OFF?" AND THEY WILL GIVE THEM WHAT TH CHANGES ARE, YOU KNOW, 180 DAYS OR, YOU KNOW, WHATEVER IT MAY B AT THE TIME. I KNOW IN JP SEVEN, 182 MUCH TH

SAME WITH WHAT JUDGE HOLLY STATED YES JP 7-1. >> THANK YOU, JUDGES, FOR YOUR WORK, AND FOR BEING HERE. CHAD CARTER, THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION.

>>> I HAVE A QUESTION, BECAUS DURING THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE AN EVICTION —- AND EVICTION EFFORT THAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO, THERE WAS A BIG REQUEST THAT WE WERE HEARING, AND WE WERE TRY TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO DEAL WITH IT, AND TRANSLATORS. AND SO I'M CURIOUS WHETHER —- I KNOW THAT THERE IS THE TRANSLATION SERVICE, THE FULL-LINE THAT I THINK A LOT OF FOLKS USE. BUDGET MUST. BUT JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY, CAN YOU HAVE A BIGGER SYSTEM AVAILABLE TO YOU FOR TRANSLATIN AND MAKING SURE YOU HAVE THE PROPER FOLKS WITH THAT TECHNICA EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR AREA OF WORK TO DO THOSE TRANSLATIONS? DOES THAT —- SUFFICE OR IS THER A NEED TO PROVIDE A ADEQUATE SYSTEM? HE HAPPY TO ADDRESS THAT BECAUS IT PLACES FOR INTERPRETERS IN THE JUSTICE COURTS ARE PART OF THAT SUPPORT THAT IS INCLUDED I THE FUNDING IN OUR COUNTY COURT OFFICE OF COURT MANAGEMENT BUDGET. AND SO A REQUIREMENT IN CRIMINA CASES IN THE JUSTICE COURT IS THE SAME AS IT IS IN THE COUNTY OR DISTRICT COURTS. AND SO IF A JUSTICE COURT HAS A NEED FOR AN INTERPRETER FOR THE CAN SCHEDULE ONE JUST IS WE DO IN THE COUNTY OR DISTRICT CO COURTS. MAKE USE OF THAT. AND SO THAT'S A PART OF THAT REQUEST FOR INCREASE I HAD IN OUR DEPARTMENT ON THE FORWARDIN BUDGET THAT HAD BEEN PROVIDED

AND HAD BEEN FOR MY ENTIRE TEN YEAR. >> GOOD DEAL ON THE THANK YOU.

>> GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER PATRIOTS JUST BY THE WAY, YOU ARE THE MORE HANDSOME OF THE TW CARTERS P BE SURE TO TELL EVERYBODY THAT, THANK UP THANK YOU, GUYS, SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR

[06:25:02]

WORK AND FOR YOUR TIME TONIGHT. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> NEXT WE WILL HEAR —- EXCUSE ME? >> THANK YOU SO MUCH AND GOOD

NIGHT. THANK YOU, JUDGE. >> AND THANK YOU AS WELL.

[Juvenile Probation]

THANK YOU. >>> JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT.

GO AHEAD, MR. GONZALES. >> CLAIM, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONER KO IM, GADOT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CHIEF JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER. WITH ME TODAY IS JANE MENINO IS A PRETTY BUDGET DIRECTOR OF CAS IN NEED, SISTER CHRISTOPHER PUNCTURING UP WITH THE PROMISE ARE TESTIFYING MAJOR FUNCTION: COURTS RESPONSE DETENTION SERVICES, COMMUNITY SUPERVISION OF ADJUDICATED YOUTH, POST ADJUDICATED RESIDENTIAL CARE, AND CONVEYANCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRIC TESTS IN HEALTHCARE AND PLACEMENT. SO OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS WE HAVE BEEN FOCUSING ON TRANSFERRING THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM ARE CLOSELY LOOKING AT HOW WE CARRY OUT EAC OF THESE FUNCTIONS. WHAT WE FOUND IS THAT BY ADJUSTING OUR APPLICATION OF JUVENILE JUSTICE PRACTICES THAT WE BEEN ABLE TO REDIRECT OUR DEPARTMENT TOWARDS ONE THAT PRACTICES A POSITIVE YOUTH JUSTICE SYSTEM.

MARK DOUGLAS TAPOSA IS ONE THAT FOCUSES ON REDUCING, IMPROVING AND REINVESTMENT.

AND SO I HOPE TO SHOW TONIGHT HOW WE ARE MAKING OUR EFFORTS T DO THAT.

>>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> HIS AUNT, HENRY, JUST BECAUSE WE STILL —- IT IS QUITE LATE AND WE STILL HAVE A COUPLE MORE DEPARTMENTS, SO TO THE EFFECT THAT YOU CAN KEEP IT TO FIVE, TEN MINUTES, MAX, IT WOUL READ THAT IT WOULD HELP YOUR CAUSE TOO BECAUSE WE WEREN'T

PAYING ATTENTION, THANK YOU. >> I WILL, NO PROBLEM. JUST SO THE FOLKS LOOK FOR TOMORROW FOR ANY DEFERMENTS LISTENING —- AND DAVE WILL SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS —- BUT WE ARE GOING TO TRY A TIME LIMIT BECAUSE I THINK THAT'S, I MEAN, THE PRESENTATIONS ARE INCREDIBLY HELPFUL BUT IT IS JUST UNFORTUNATE FOR THE FOLKS THAT IS SCHEDULED TOWARDS THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE ALL OF U ARE JUST A LITTLE BIT TIRED. SO I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYBODY GETS THEIR DUE. AHEAD HE THANK YOU C-USA OUR 2021 A TWO SUMMARY DEMONSTRATES SOME ONGOING REDUCTIONS STARTIN WITH THE OVERALL REFERRAL STARTED PART.

IN 2021 PERCENT 2011 PEOPLE REFER TO OUR DEPARTMENT WHICH I 2046 LESS COMPARED TO 2020.

WHY IS IT MAY NOT SEEM TO IMPRESS HER, WHAT IS IMPRESSIVE IS THAT OUR 2021 NUMBER IS 2409 LIST AND REFERRALS IN 2019, WHE WE ACTUALLY BEGIN TO ADMIT OUR CHANGES.

WE'VE ALSO BEEN SUCCESSFUL —- O EVEN ESSENTIALLY BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN REDUCTION OF YOUTH ADMITTED INTO OUR DETENTION CENTER. IN 2019 WE ADMITTED 2734 YOUNG PEOPLE INTO DETENTION, 2026, IT WAS 1062 YOUNG PEOPLE ADMITTED INTO DETENTION, WHICH IS 536

LESS THAN WE ADMITTED IN 2020. >>> WE HAVE ALSO SUSTAINED A REDUCED AVERAGE DAILY POPULATIO IN OUR DETENTION CENTER FROM TH 174 IN 2019 TO 130 IN 2021. AND THAT'S A 9 PERCENT DECREASE

FROM 2020. >>> THE PURSUIT OF COURT DECISIONS RESULTED IN A DEFERRE ADJUDICATION IN 2021, INCREASED TO 16 AND A HALF PERCENT COMPARED TO 13.1 PERCENT IN 2,000 ARE THEREFORE REDUCING —- REDUCING THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE ADJUDICATED IN HIS CO

COUNTY. SO OVERALL WE ARE REDUCING. >>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

>>> SO AS WE CONTINUE TO LOOK AT IMPROVING, WHAT HE DID HIS BEST, TOOK THE FUNCTIONS WE ARE EXPECTED TO CARRY OUT AND IDENTIFIED THESE SEVEN PRIMARY FUND PROGRAMS WITH RELATED SERVICES. THE ONLY ADDITIONAL ONES IN HER THAT WENT INTO FUNCTIONS WOULD BE EDUCATION AS WE OPERATE A CHARTER SCHOOL, AND THE DIVERSION AND INTERVENTION PROGRAMS. SO COLLECTIVELY THESE PROGRAMS ARE GOING TO DRIVE OUR DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITY OUTCOMES. NEXT SLIDE.

THANK YOU STINGONE LINE WITH TH CADIZ JUSTICE AND SAFETY RELATE GOALS, WE INTEND TO LESS EXPOSURE TO THE JUVENILE JUSTIC SYSTEM BY CONTINUING TO WORK WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO INCREASE THE NUMBER O DIVERGENT STRATEGIES AND COMMUNITY SUPPORTS TO REDUCE SYSTEM INVOLVEMENT. AN EXAMPLE OF THIS IS THE MISSION OF THE GOOD HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH AS A COMMUNITY-BASED DIVERSION PROGRAM FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. LOOPITY UTILIZE COMMUNITY-BASED ALTERNATIVES TO PREVENT YOU FRO VIOLATING THEIR PROBATION AND T AVOID REOFFENDING AND POSSIBLE DETENTION.

[06:30:04]

>>> SO RIGHT NOW WE ARE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF HOUSTON TO CREATE PROGRAMS SPECIFICALLY FO YOUNG PEOPLE INVOLVED IN OUR SYSTEM, SO WE WILL PLUG KIDS INTO THE CLUBS AND THEIR COMMUNITY WE PLAN TO INCREASE THE USE OF DETENTION ALTERNATIVES AND WHAT WE'RE DOING RIGHT NOW IS SUPPORTING COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE TRAINING PARENTS TO BECOME FAMILY COACHES, TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO PARENTS OF

YOUTH WHO HAD BEEN RELEASED FRO THE DETENTION CENTER. >>> WE WILL CONTINUE TO COLLABORATE WITH OUTSIDE ENTITIES FOR COMMUNITY BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND TO EXPAND OUR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVOCACY OR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND ADVOCACY FOR JUSTICE INVOLVED YOUTH. WE ALSO AIM TO REDUCE VIOLENT CRIME BY UTILIZING APPROACHES SUCH AS CREDIBLE MESSENGERS, WHICH USES PEOPLE FROM INFECTED COMMUNITIES WHO HAVE THE EXPERIENCE IN THE JUSTICE SY SYSTEM, WHO HAVE DEMONSTRATED POSITIVE CHANGE, TO HELP OUR YOUNG PEOPLE NAVIGATE RISK FACTORS IN THEIR LIVES.

>>> WE ARE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE TEXAS ALSI LAB AT RICE UNIVERSITY TO EVALUATE ALL OF OUR PROGRAMS FOR EFFECTIVENESS, INCLUDING OUR CURRENT EVIDENCE-BASED RESIDUAL SEX OFFENDER PROGRAM AT THE LEE-SCOTT ACADEMY, AS WAS OUR COMMUNITY-BASE OFFENDER PROGRAM.

>>> WE ARE ULTIMATELY GOING T BE WORKING CLOSELY WITH HIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND THEIR

MINDS REDUCTION EFFORTS. >>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> MAXAR COMMITMENTS AND CHALLENGES. I AM GOING TO FIRST HIT ON OUR CHALLENGES BUT LIKE MOST OTHER DEPARTMENTS, AND WE HEARD THIS THROUGHOUT THE DAY, IS THAT COVID HAS HAD A BIG IMPACT ON U IN MANY WAYS FROM SLOWING DOWN COURT HEARINGS TO DISRUPTING OU DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS IN OUR FACILITIES. I DO HAVE TO SAY THAT OUR STAFF AND DONE A GREAT JOB EFFECTIVEL DEALING WITH COVID-RELATED SITUATIONS WHEN THEY ARRIVE AND THEY HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO PIVO

ON A REGULAR BASIS. >>> STAFF RETENTION AND RECRUITMENT WAS MADE WORSE BY COVID. WE DO PLAN TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH HRRM ON CHANGES TO APPROPRIATELY ADDRESS THIS, AND IN HIS CURRENT STATE ORDERS AND FACILITIES ARE NOT CONDUCIVE TO PROVIDING THERAPEUTIC AND EDUCATIONAL NEEDS FOR YOUTH. WE'VE ALREADY HAD.

DISCUSSION WITH THE COUNTY ENGINEERS AND SPN TO IDENTIFY POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS AND TO PRIORITIZE PROJECTS IN OUR DETENTION CENTER. AND I WILL HIT ON THIS IN A

LITTLE BIT AS WELL. >>> THERE'S A NEED FOR DIVISION CENTER TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE TO DETENTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR DETENTION.

BUT HOME IS NOT AN IMMEDIATE OPTION. SO WE ARE NOT TH CURRENTLY WORK WITH THE HERE CENTER ON A POSSIBLE SOLUTION FOR THIS AND OPERATING DIVISION CENTER FOR

THE TYPES OF KIDS —- WE ARE WORKING WITH PARENTS CENTER. >>> PUSH OPTIONS FOR DUAL STATUS KIDS, THOSE KIDS INVOLVE IN BOTH THE CHILD WELFARE AND THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEMS AR VERY LIMITED. AND THIS FORCES THESE KIDS TO HAVE TO STAY IN OUR DETENTION CENTER OR IN OUR POST ADJUDICATED FACILITIES LONGER THAN THEY REALLY NEED TO BE IN THEIR INTIMATE SINCE WE BEGAN OUR EFFORTS TO CONFIGURE AND TRANSFORM ARE SOME WEB-ENABLED VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COMMUNITY BY CONTRACTING WITH PROVIDERS SUCH AS TX ERIK SWOOPE WORK TEXAS, KNOWLEDGE FIRST, AND THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF MESQUITE AMERICANS, WHO ARE ALL PROVIDING SOME FORM OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, WHICH DEMONSTRATES OUR REVERSING FUND INTO THE COMMUNITY RATHER THAN DOING THOSE THINGS INTERNALLY.

>>> WE'VE MOVED FROM A COMPLAINT CYCLE DRIVEN APPROACH TO COMMUNITY SUPERVISION, TO OPPORTUNITY-BASED PROBATION, WHICH IS A SUPERVISION STRATEGY THAT ACKNOWLEDGES AND

INCENTIVIZES PROGRESS, NO MATTE HOW SMALL. >>> WE PARTNERED WITH LAHAYE ICE CENTER TO EXPAND COMMU COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES SUCH AS MULTI- SOMATIC THERAPY ON WE ENDED AND ADDITIONAL TEAM AND JUDICIAL SUPPORT TO FAMILIES OF YOUNG —- OF OUR YOUTH WERE EXITING OUR FACILITY, MAKING SURE THAT THEY ARE CONNECTED TO THOSE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THAT THE KID NEEDS, AND WE NEED TO CONTINUE WITH.

>>> WE HAVE ADDED MEDICAL DIRECTORS TO OUR POST ADJUDICATED FACILITIES TO ENSUR THAT OUR APPROACHES ARE EVIDENCE-BASED, THERAPEUTIC, AN LESS CORRECTIONAL.

>>> WE'VE CREATED AN EQUITY TEAM WITHIN OUR DEPARTMENT TO LOOK AT OUR PRACTICES POLICY AN PROCEDURES. AN EQUITY LENS. WE ALSO REINSTATED JUVENILE DETENTION ALTERNATIVE INITIATIV COLLABORATIVE, COCHAIRED BY JUVENILE JUSTICE ADVOCATE AND

[06:35:04]

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> DETENTION SCREENING DISMISS OR DOCKET SIS ARE GAUGING WRISCO AND JONEL APPROPRIATENESS FOR ADMISSION INTO A DETENTION CENTER PENDING A DETENTION HEARING. WE SPENT MORE THAN A YEAR EVALUATING THE DSI THAT WE BE USING FOR SEVERAL YEARS WITH TH ANNIE CASEY FOUNDATION AND THEI DATA AND RESEARCH ANALYSTS.

AND WITH THEM WE DISCOVERED THA WITH THAT DSI, BLACK AND LATINO YOUTH WHERE PEACE 3 PERCENT MOR LIKELY TO BE SCREENED ELIGIBLE FOR DETENTION COMPARED TO WHITE YOUTH.

SO TOGETHER WE CREATED ADMITTED A NEW DETENTION SCREENING ESTIMATE THAT ELIMINATES THAT RACIAL DISPARITY WHERE IT IS NO LONGER A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RACE OR ETHNICITY OF BEING SCREENED IS ELIGIBLE FOR DETENTION. AND THAT'S WHAT THIS BARGRAPH DEMONSTRATES. SO NOW IT'S PRETTY EVEN ACROSS THE BOARD.

>>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> WE WANTED TO DEMONSTRATE ARVIDSSON TRANSFORMATION BY BEING AS TRANSPARENT AS POSSIBL PARCEL WITH THE HELP OF UNIVERSAL SERVICES BE CREATED A NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE THAT INCLUDES A PUBLIC SPACE AND DASHBOARD THAT SHOWS LIVE DATA ON OUR REFERRALS ARE PURSUED POPULATION, AND ACTIVITY BY PRECINCT.

SO THESE ARE JUST SCREENSHOTS O WHAT THAT DASHBOARD LOOKS LIKE WHEN YOU HOVER OVER THESE BARS, IT WILL BREAK DOWN LIKE THE CIT PREPARATION BY GENDER, RACE, A AGE.

AND THEN WHEN YOU HOVER OVER TH WISHES PRECINCT, IT WILL SHOW YOU THE ACTIVITY THAT PARTICULA PRECINCT. IN ADDITION TO THIS, THROUGH OU COLLABORATION WITH THE TEXAS POLICYLAB, THEY CREATED A MORE IN-DEPTH DASHBOARD THAT CAN BE USED TO TAKE DEEPER DIVES INTO OUR DATA FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES BY JUVENILE JUSTICE STAKE STAKEHOLDERS.

>>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> OKAY, SO, INPUTS ALSO INCLUDE TRANSFORMING OR USING RESEARCH FACILITIES INTO PLACES THAT ARE MORE CONDUCIVE TO TREATMENT AND LESS CORRECTIONAL.

OVER THE PAST 12 PLUS MONTHS, AND WITH THE HELP OF SPN AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S OFFICE, W HAVE BEEN RENOVATING THE 80 PLU ACRE LAKEFRONT YOUTH VILLAGE MAKE SEABROOK INTO ONE THAT I THINK CAN COMPETE WITH PRIVATE MESSAGES THAT PAY A LOT OF MONE TO SEND THEIR KIDS TO.

SO THESE ARE SOME PHOTOS OF SOM OF OUR IMPROVEMENTS. BETWEEN THE MAIN BUILDING AND THE LAKE WE BUILT THIS BEAUTIFU MULTIPURPOSE DECK IS GOING TO B USED FOR FAMILY VISITATION, THERAPEUTIC GROUPS, OUTDOOR CLASSROOM SPACE, AND JUST A PLACE WHERE THE KIDS CAN UNWIND.

>>> WE RESTORED AN INDOOR SWIMMING POOL THAT SAT EMPTY AN IN NEED OF REPAIR FOR YEARS NOW WE WILL BE ABLE TO TEACH OUR KIDS HOW TO SWIM AND ALSO ENABL THEM TO GET LIFEGUARD CERTIFIED.

>>> WE ALSO REVEALED A FISHIN PIER WHERE NOT JUST OUR KIDS AR GOING TO BE ABLE TO GO FISH, BU WHEN FAMILIES COME IN FOR VISITATION, THAT VISITATION CAN INCLUDE FISHING AS A FAMILY

ACTIVITY. >>> AFTER CLEARING OUT A BUILDING THAT WAS USED TO STORE JUNK FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTY FOR YEARS, WE DISCOVERED THAT I WAS ACTUALLY A STABLE WITH EXISTING STALLS, THE TACK ROOM, AND A HAYLOFT. AFTER SOME HABILITATION OF THE BUILDING WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY USING THE STABLE AS AN OFFICIAL SITE FOR RESCUED HORSES, WITH OUR KIDS BEING THE WAS HELPING HER TO THE KIDS BAC TO HEALTH IN WHICH WOULD BE BOT EDUCATIONAL AND THERAPEUTIC FOR THEM.

>>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> NOW, WHEN 20 TRANSFORM BUILDING THAT WE DESIRED TO BE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES, THIS CHALLENGING TO TRY TO SOFTEN THESE UP TO BE LESS CORRE CORRECTIONAL. BUT WE TOOK ON THE TERM GIVEN T US BY JUVENILE BOARD CHAIR AND AT THE LEADERSHIP* ACADEMY WE STARTED WITH THE STARK WALLS AN WE ARE ANY MURALS, LIKE THE ONE THAT YOU SEE HERE THAT WAS RECENTLY COMPLETED. EARLIER I MENTIONED THE CHALLENGES WITH HER DETENTION CENTER. SO TAKING THAT SAME WEEKEND IS APPROACHING THE DETENTION CE CENTER, WE RECEIVED THIS RENDERING FROM A PROPOSAL BY TH CHILDREN'S PRISON ART PROJECT. I THINK IT WILL DO A PHENOMENAL JOB IN TRANSFORMING OUR DETENTION CENTER. WHEN I SAW THIS RENDERING I CAN BELIEVE THIS WHAT ARE NEWTONCENTER CAN LOOK LIKE. AND SO THIS WHAT YOU ARE SEEING IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF THE THEMES THAT THEY PROPOSE TO USE TO REALLY CHANGE THE LOOK AND FEEL OF OUR DETENTION CENTER.

[06:40:07]

THIS IS ACTUALLY HER DETENTION CENTER AND THEY JUST SUPERIMPOS THE PROPOSED MURALS UNDER THE WALLS. THIS IS A PROJECT THAT WE ARE GOING TO TAKE TO CIP, AS I

BELIEVE THAT IT IS DEFINITELY WELL WORTH THE INVESTMENT. >>> NEXT SLIDE.

>>> THANK YOU. >>> NOW, THE DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE MEASURES.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE MEASURES W FEEL ARE KEY AND THAT ARE IN LINE WITH THE CURRENT ADJUSTING SAFETY GOALS ON THE FIRST ARE OVERALL ONE YEAR RECIDIVISM RAT FOR THE DEPARTMENT WAS 2

22 PERCENT FOR 2021 COMPARED TO 25 PERCENT IN 2020. >>> SUCCESSFUL DIVERSION.

90 PERCENT OF THE YOUTH —- I AM SORRY —- THAT IS EXACTLY PERCEN OF YOUTH THAT PARTICIPATED IN FORMAL DIVERSION PROGRAMS WERE SAFELY DIVERTED, MEANING THEY DID NOT COME BACK TO THE SYSTEM WILL COMPARED TO 92 PERCENT THE PRIOR YEAR. I HAVE TO NOTE THAT IN 2020 THE OFFENSE IS ELIGIBLE FOR DIVERSION EXPANDED TO INCLUDE HIGHER-LEVEL NONVIOLENT OFF OFFENSES. CLOSE TO 90 PERCENT OF THE YOUT WHO COULD HAVE COME INTO

DETENTION WERE DIVERTED IN 2021 COMPARED TO 87 PERCENT IN 2020. >>> NOW IN 202118.8 PERCENT O ALL DISPOSITIONS RESULTED IN RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENT. NO, WITH INCREASED DOCKETS WE HOPE TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THIS. WE ARE GOING TO CAREFULLY LOOK AT OUR DETENTION POPULATION FRO AN EQUITY LENS, ALTHOUGH WE CAN'T CONTROL WHICH KIDS ARE BROUGHT TO OUR DETENTION CENTER WE DO THINK THAT IT'S IMPORTANT TO LOOK AT THE POPULATION AND SEE WHAT WE CAN OFFER TO DEAL WITH THIS. IN 2021 THE PROPORTION OF HISPANIC YOUTH AND DETENTION WA 41.8 PERCENT, WHICH IS LOWER THAN THE PROPORTION OF HISPANIC YOUTH IN HIS COUNTY, ACCORDING TO THE TEXAS DEMOGRAPHIC CENTER. WHERE THE PROPORTION OF BACK YOUTH IN HIS COUNTY WAS 8 80 PERCENT THE PROPORTION OF BLACK YOUTH IN DETENTION IN 202 WAS 50.5 PERCENT PARCEL AGAIN RESORT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS AND TRYING TO SEE WHAT SOLUTIONS WE CAN OFFER TO TRY TO DEAL WITH THIS IN AN EFFECTIVE WAY.

>>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> ACTUALLY, THAT IS THE END OF MY VISITATION.

QUESTIONS, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE. HENRY, HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A

THE HELM AT THE DEPARTMENT? >>> THREE YEARS. >> THREE YEARS.

WELL, LET ME JUST SAY KUDOS TO YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP*.

THIS IS THE FIRST PRESENTATION THAT I'VE SEEN, AND I HOPE OTHERS TAKE NOTICE, THAT REALLY IS —- THIS REALLY TELLING YOUR STORY, AND I'M VERY PROUD OF TH FACT THAT YOU BE ABLE TO FLIP THE RECIDIVISM RATE. I THINK YEARS BACK, WHEN I WAS SHERIFF, AND EVEN PRIOR TO THAT OVER IN THE GANG OFFICE, I TH THINK, THE RECIDIVISM RATE WAS AT 70-80 PERCENT AND NOW IT IS AT 22. AND I WANTED TO GET YOUR THOUGHTS ON SOMETHING: YOUR POPULATION DECLINE, YET YOUR HIGH COMPLIANCE RATE. WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THE DECLINE AND THE SUCCESS IN COMPLIANCE? BECAUSE THAT EQUALS LIKE SAFETY.

>> SURE. I AM REALLY GOING TO BE HONEST IN SAYING THAT COVID DID HAVE A BIG PLAY IN OUR DECREASE IN NUMBERS BUT I HAVE TO GIVE CREDIT TO LAW AND WITH AGENCY BECAUSE WHAT WE DID WITH COVID IS REALLY IN A STATE AT THE FRONT DOOR AND SAY, WE ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE ALL THESE KIDS. YOU GOT TO FIND OTHER OPTIONS FOR THEM, SO WHILE IT APPEARS A THOUGH LONGFOOT HAS REALLY DONE A GOOD JOB IN USING DISCRETION MORE WITH JUVENILE, BECAUSE WE ARE NOT SEEING THEM BRING THOSE LOWER-LEVEL OFFENDERS INASMUCH SAYING, "I COULD NOT FIND A PARENT COULD GO SO I HAD TO GIV KUDOS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THEIR EFFORTS TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY AND USE THEIR DISCRETION. ALSO WITH THE DISTRICT FEES OFFICE IN DOING ALL THEY CAN TO HELP FUND THROUGH PROGRAMS IN THE COMMUNITY.

THEIR GOAL IS TO MAKE THE SWITC FROM 80 PERCENT SOON AS GOING T COURT AND REPRESENT BOUNDARIES,

[06:45:08]

PROS MISDEMEANORS JUST AREN'T GOING TO COURT ANYMORE; THEY AR GOING STRAIGHT INTO DIVERSION PROGRAMS. WHAT IS REALLY GREAT IS HAVING PROGRAMS LIKE CUT AND GOOD HOPE MISSIONARY TO SURVEYS DIVERSION PROGRAMS IN THE COMMUNITY TO PLUG KIDS INTO, IN THEIR ACTUAL COMMUNITIES. BECAUSE TO ME YOU'RE NOT COMMITTING A KID OUT OF THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM IF PROBATION OFFICERS ARE MANAGING THOSE CASES.

THAT IS NOT DIVERSION. SO WE'VE DONE THAT. THE COMPLIANCE RATE, I HAVE TO GO TO ARBITRATION OFFICERS WHO KNOW THAT THEIR CASELOADS ARE LOWER, ARE SPENDING MORE QUALIT TIME WITH THE KIDS IN THE FAMILIES. AND AGAIN NOW THAT WE HAVE SWITCHED TO A PUNY-BASE PROBATION, IT'S GREAT WHEN THEY COME TO ME TO SAY, MARK HENRY, WE NEED MORE MONEY FOR GIFT CARDS FOR OUR KIDS AS INCENTIVE BECAUSE THEY ARE DOING GREAT." THEY CELEBRATE THE KIDS AFTER SUCCESS. I THINK, COMMISSIONER, THAT THA IS, THE KEY IS, UNDERSTANDING THAT THESE KIDS ARE KIDS. THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE MISTAKES.

WE ALL HAVE. WE ALL DO. BUT THEY ARE ALSO WITH HAVE SUCCESS THAT SOMEONE HAS TO ACKNOWLEDGE. AND I THINK IF WE DO THAT, THAT

MOTIVATES THEM TO CONTINUE TO D WELL. >> WELL, I COMMEND YOU, AND WE ARE FORTUNATE. NOW, THE REAL STORY NO, MR MR. GONZALES, IS GOING TO BE, NOW THAT MARY HAS RETIRED, WHAT IF THESE NUMBERS STAY AT THE SAME PLACE?

>> I KNOW MARY RETIRED BUT SHE IS STILL GOING TO BE WITH US. >> SPEAKER 6: GRADUATIONS TO YO AND YOUR TEAM FOR THIS PHENOMENAL SUCCESS AND WE WILL COUNT ON THIS TO HELP WHERE WE CAN DO TO HELP YOU STAY ON TR TRACK. BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY I WE CAN PUT THESE KIDS BACK ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW, THEY DON'T WANT TO HAVE A CRIMINAL CAREER THAT ULTIMATELY HAS IN FINDING A PLACE IN THE COUNTY JAIL AND IN THE STATE PRISON SYSTEM. SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR LIFELONG DEDICATION TO THIS MISSION SO

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> COMMISSIONER. >>> —- [INDISCERNIBLE] SOME OF THE THINGS THAT YOU HAVE OUT THERE ARE ONE-TIME EXPENDITURES SO —- WITH THIS TREND MONEY IS THERE ONE TIME THING WE CAN DO. A SERGACHEV COMING UP WITH ADDITIONAL REVENUE FOR RESOURCE GOING TO ENCORE SUPER SOMETHING —- [INDISCERNIBLE] AND OBVIOUSL THAT RECIDIVISM RATE FOR AFRICA AMERICANS THOSE CONCERNS ALL OF US. THANK YOU.

HOPE YOU FROM IS ALL RIGHT BUT IT'S GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN. GOOD TO SEE YOU, THANK UP UNFORTUNATELY, COMMISSIONER OF HEDIS, THE MAN SOMETHING. THE GOOD THING TO NOTICE, MR MR. GONZALES, IS THAT TYPICALLY WE ONLY SEE AFRICAN-AMERICAN, ANGLO, ASIAN, AND OTHER PICKER AM —- NOT THAT IT MAKES ME PROU TO SEE, AT LEAST IN THIS PARTICULAR FORUM, THAT THE LATINO COMMUNITY IS REPRESENTED. BUT WE NEED TO KNOW THAT SO WE KNOW HOW TO TAILOR OUR EFFORTS AND MAKE OUR INVESTMENTS. AND SO I'M ALSO IMPRESSED THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO FIND A WAY TO TRACK THOSE APPELLATIONS A LITTLE BIT MUCH MORE PHYSICALLY BECAUSE IS BORN FIRST TO KNOW AND IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW, AND IT HELPS US BE MUCH MORE INTENTIONAL ON HOW WE WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY ON A LOT OF FR FRONTS. SO AGAIN THIS HAD BEEN THE BEST

PRESENTATION OF THE DAY SO THAN YOU. >> THANK YOU THANK YOU, THANK YOU, DIRECTOR. THE BRICK AND I WAS JUST ADD THAT I AM CURIOUS ABOUT THE DIVERSION CENTER AND JUST MAKE SURE THAT YOU GET THAT DONE ON TIME FOR CIP, BECAUSE —- I MEAN YOU GUYS ARE JUST WORKING INCREDIBLY IMPACTFUL STUFF TH THERE.

AS CORTRELLE SIMPSON AND IS A ONE-TIME EXPENSE, SO IT FITS QUITE WELL.

SO THAT RENDERING OF THE DETENTION FACILITY DOWNTOWN GIVES ME A LOT OF HOPE.

WE NEED TO GET THAT DONE YESTERDAY, BECAUSE WE DON'T NEE TO PUT THOSE KIDS BACK OUT TRAUMATIZED, YOU KNOW SHE'S I WAS EXCITED FOR YOU TO SEE THAT YEAH IS OH, MY GOODNESS, NOW I COULD GO FOR ANOTHER 15 DEPARTMENTS AFTER SEEING THAT ORDER NOW.

OKAY, WELL, WE WILL KEEP GOING. THANK YOU SO MUCH PETER THANK YOU UNGER GOOD NIGHT.

[Domestic Relations]

>> GOOD NIGHT. >>> WILL MOVE ON TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS AND THEN CLOSE IT OUT

WITH FORENSIC SCIENCES. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, CAN YOU HEAR ME?

[06:50:18]

>>> YES, GO AHEAD. PERFECT, BUT YOU CAN'T SEE ME FOR SOME REASON, HOPEFULLY I CA

GET THAT MOVING. >> YEAH, HE CAN'T. >> THERE WE ARE.

THEY GO P GOOD EVENING MY NAME IS DAVID SIMPSON, THE DIRECTOR OF THE HARRIS COUNTY DOMESTIC RELATIONS OFFICE. THANK YOU FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF PRESENTING THIS EVENING.

IT'S AN HONOR TO SERVE YOU AND THE RESIDENCE OF HARRIS COUNTY. THE DRO WAS CREATED BACK IN 198 BY COMMISSIONERS COURT HERE WIT THE MISSION OF PROVIDING SERVICES TO FAMILIES WITH

LITIGATION PENDING IN OUR HARRI COUNTY FAMILY COURT'S. >>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

>>> AND THE SLIDE SHOWS WHAT WE DO ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE YO CAN SEE A LIST OF SERVICES THAT ARE THERE. FOR THE SECOND TIME, I WON'T GO OVER EACH OF THOSE SERVICES.

BUT WE ONLY PROVIDE SERVICES NEAR CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED IN LITIGATION.

CERTAINLY OUR GOAL IS TO KEEP THOSE CHILDREN IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE SERVICES WE CAN PROVIDE. WE PROVIDE SERVICES FOR FREE AT A REDUCED RATE, ON A SLIDING SCALE. AND HER STAFF CONSISTS OF VARIOUS DIFFERENT PROFESSIONALS.

WE HAVE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, FORENSIC EVALUATORS, MEDIATORS, ATTO ATTORNEYS, COMMUNITY SUPERVISIO OFFICERS, AND OTHERS THAT ARE WORKING ON OUR STAFF.

WE ARE GOVERNED BY CHAPTER 203 OF THE TEXAS FAMILY CODE. >>> NEXT SLIDE.

>>> SO THIS SLIDE SHOWS HARRI COUNTY GOALS AND THE OBJECTIVES THAT WE CREATED TO MEET THOSE GOALS YOU CAN SEE THERE ARE VEHICLES IN THIS SLIDE THAT WE PROVIDE DIRECT SERVICES.

AND TO PUBLIC HEALTH, THE FIRST ONE, WE ARE SECURING THE WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN AND PARENTS AS THEY DEFECATE THROUG FAMILY LITIGATION. FOR SOME THIS IS THE MOST DIFFICULT TIME IN THEIR LIVES AND SO TO THAT END OUR OBJECTIV IS TO MAKE SURE THAT CHILDREN CONTINUE TO HAVE ACCESS TO BOTH PARENTS DURING THESE FAMILY PROCEEDINGS.

IF YOU'RE HANDLING AN ADOPTION CASE, WE ARE SEEKING TO MAKE SURE THE CHILD IS ADOPTED INTO FAMILY THAT WILL BE PROTECTED AND SAFE. SOMETHING WITH PROTECTIVE CHILD CUSTODY MATTERS WHERE ARE TARGETING LITIGATION, WE ARE ENCOURAGING THEM TO COME TO OUR OFFICE AND PARTICIPATE IN MEDIATION, AND AVOID GOING TO TRIAL.

>>> AND THEN LASTLY UNDER PUBLIC HEALTH, WE WANT PARENTS TO UNDERSTAND, THIS IS A VERY RISKY TIME FOR CHILDREN, AND IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THESE PARENTS KEEP THEIR CHILDREN OUT OF

CONFLICT. >>> THE SECOND AREA, WHICH IS JUSTICE AND SAFETY, WE HAVE A COMMUNITY SUPERVISION DEPARTMEN THAT MONITOR PARENTS WHO ARE ON PROBATION FOR VIOLATING FAMILY COURT ORDERS. AND OUR GOAL IS TO REMOVE THEIR BARRIERS AND HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THE ORDERS AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF FAILING TO FOLLOW THOSE ORDERS.

>>> IN OUR LASCO AREA UNDER HARRIS COUNTY GOALS IS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT CHILDREN SEE BOTH AN EMOTIONAL AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM BOTH PARENTS. TO THAT END WE LOOK TO COLLECT CHILD SUPPORT, MEDICAL SUPPORT

AND THE SUPPORT FOR EVERY CHILD IN OUR CASELOAD. >>> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

>>> AND THIS SLIDE SHOWS OUR COMPLIMENTS, OUR CHANGES IN OUR CHALLENGES.

CERTAINLY COVID WAS A CHALLENGING YEAR FOR US BUT OUR STAFF, I AM SO PROUD OF OUR STAFF, THEY MET THE CHALLENGE AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SERVICE IN THE MIDDLE OF COVID.

THEY HAVE BEEN VERY CREATIVE, THEY BEEN DEDICATED. WHAT I HEARD USE HERE A WHILE AGO IS LOCAL. " CERTAINLY ARE STAFF.

AS WELL IS DELIVERED SERVICES HERE. ONE ACCOMPANIMENT TO BRING OUT AND WE HAD TWO DIVISIONS THAT WERE ALREADY USING THE CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, BUT IN TRAN2 WE PURCHASED ANOTHER SOME. AND I CONSIDER TODAY AND SAY THAT, AFTER A LOT OF WORK THIS OFFICE IS NOW PAPERLESS. AND WE HAVE NOW MOVED ALL OF OU CASE ELECTRONICALLY, I THINK IT

WORTHWHILE COMPLIMENT FOR US AS WELL. >>> WE ALSO RENEGOTIATED FOUR DIFFERENT CONTRACTS AND GRANTS IN DIFFERENT AREAS SO WE CAN CONTINUE RECEIVING REVENUE THAT PROVIDING THE SERVICES. WE ROLLED OUT SO SOMETHING TO BETTER TRACK OUR SPENDING AND METRIC, ENGAGED IN A LOT OF TRAINING, AND IN HER SUPERVISOR VISITATION PROGRAM, WE SECURE THE SEVENTH SITE IN HIS COUNTY WHERE CHILDREN CAN SEE TO VISIT WITH THEIR MOMS AND DADS.

>>> THERE ARE CHALLENGES. YOU SEE THEM ON THIS CHART. I WANT TO OVERLOAD BUT I KNOW W ARE ABLE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES THAT YOU SEE THERE. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

>>> HERE ARE PERFORMANCE MEASURES IN PROGRESS FOR 2021. IT'S POINT FOR YOU TO KNOW THAT OUR WEBSITE IS VERY ROBUST. FAMILIES IN HIS COUNTY CAN ACCESS OUR SERVICES ALL THAT YO SEE HERE BY GOING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE AND APPLYING REAL-TIME THE SERVICES THAT ARE HERE.

CERTAINLY ADOPTION EVALUATIONS ARE SOME OF THE HAPPIEST THINGS THAT WE DO IN OUR OFFICE BUT

[06:55:02]

WE COLLECTED $176 MILLION IN CHILD SUPPORT LAST YEAR AND OUR COLLECTION RATE IS 81 PERCENT, CERTAINLY WELL ABOVE THE NATIONAL RATE. I AM VERY PROUD OF WHAT THE

OFFICE HAS DONE. >>> AND MY FINAL SLIDE IS OUR BUDGET REQUEST.

AND THE FIRST ONE IS ASKING FOR FUNDING TO HIRE A LAWYER. WE ARE SEEING MORE MORE PARENTS CHOOSE TO REPRESENT THEMSELVES IN THE FAMILY COURT SYSTEM. THE HIGH COST OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION THESE PARENTS DOWN THIS TRAIL BECAUSE THEY AR UNFAMILIAR WITH THE COURT SY SYSTEM. SELF ABLATIVE LITIGANTS CAN CAUSE CONFUSION AND FRUSTRATION FOR THE COURSE, AND THAT JUST DRIVES AT THE TIME AND COSTS INVOLVED IN LITIGATION.

AND THEY ARE HELD TO THE SAME STANDARD AS LAWYERS. INTERESTING THAT WHEN THEY FAIL TO FOLLOW COURT RULES THAT THEY DON'T FOLLOW THE REGULATIONS BECAUSE THEY CAUSE EXCESSIVE TIME IN BEHALF OF THE CLERKS AN THE JUDGES. ANSWER THE FAMILY COURT JUDICIARY IS ON BOARD WITH THIS REQUEST. THEY LIKE FOR US TO HIRE A LAWYER THAT CAN PROVIDE LEGAL INFORMATION TO PARENTS WHO FIND THEMSELVES REPRESENTING THEMSELVES IN COURTS. THESE ARE CALLED PRO SE LITIGANTS.

AND IF WE COULD HIRE A LAWYER T ASSIST US IN CLEARING THE CO COURT'S DOCKET, IT WOULD HELP PREVENT LOGJAMS FROM OCCURRING AND I BELIEVE WE CAN MOVE AT LEAST 480 FAMILIES THROUGH THE

COURT SYSTEM WHO CHOSE TO BE PR SE. >>> OUR SECOND REQUEST IS RELATED TO OUR INTEGRATED CHILD SUPPORT SYSTEM WE HAVE HAD THIS SINCE 2003 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. WE WERE PAID TO THIS AGREEMENT BY A GRANT WHEN IT FIRST STA STARTED. BUT AS OF THE LAST TIME WE HAVE RENEGOTIATED THIS CONTRACT, IT IS NO LONGER A GRANT, IT'S A CONTRACT.

WE MOVED REVENUE MONTHLY FROM THE GRANT TO THE GENERAL FUND T PAY FOR OUR STAFFING, BUT NOW THAT IT IS CONSIDERED A CON CONTRACT, THIS IS WHAT WE CALL NO NET IMPACT TO THE BUDGET.

WE ARE ASKING THAT ARE BASED ON BUDGET EQUAL IN THE REVENUES COMING IN FROM THE CONTRACT, AN

THAT WILL MAKE THIS WHOLE GOING FORWARD. >>> LASTLY, HE SEE MY LAST BUDGET REQUEST THERE IS A NEED FOR MERIT RAISES. DURING THE SECOND HALF OF OUR BUDGET YEAR OUR ATTRITION RATE LAST YEAR WE LOST 7.5 PERCENT O OUR STEPS WE HAD A BIG RATE LAS YEAR. THAT IS BECAUSE WE GET A NEW INNOVATION TO OUR EMPLOYEES AND TRY OUR BEST TO RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF THEIR WORK, AND SO ASKING FOR MONEY TO GIVE MERIT RAISES OUR NEXT BUDGET CYCLE, W KNOW THIS WOULD JUST MOTIVATE STAFF, BUILD LOYALTY RAISE

PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES, AND DO THINGS THAT STAFF CAN RECOGNIZE. >>> I WENT THROUGH IT PRETTY QUICKLY BECAUSE I KNOW TIME IS LIMITED. I.

BUT I'M REALLY THANKFUL FOR YOU SUPPORT OF OUR MISSION IN YOUR CONDITION OF THE SOURCES PROVID IS CRITICAL TO FAMOUS AND CERTAINLY TAKE ANY QUESTIONS YO HAVE.

THANK YOU. CAN YOU GO BACK JUST ONE SLIDE? IF THERE WAS SOMETHING I DIDN'T QUITE CATCH. TO MY COLLEAGUES HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? THERE VERY POWERFUL, MR. S MR. SIMPSON. THANK YOU, JUDGE, APPRECIATE THAT. THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION. THAT WAS VERY HELPFUL.

VERY EFFECTIVE. THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU CONTINUE TO DO.

THANK YOU TO YOU AND YOUR TEAM. >> I'LL THINK MY TEAM, THEY DESERVE THE CREDIT, APPRECIATE

[Institute of Forensic Sciences]

IT. >> THANK YOU. >>> WE'LL HEAR FROM DR

DR. SANCHEZ DEMONSTRATION OF FORENSIC SCIENCES. >> HELLO, THIS IS MARK ZACK SANCHEZ, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONS, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY T GET BUDGET REQUEST AND CHAL

CHALLENGE. >>> DOCTOR DUANE WOLF DIRECTO OF THE MEDICAL EXAMINER SERVICE

WILL BE DOING THE PRESENTATION. JULIE. >> GOOD EVENING, COMMISSIONERS.

COULD WE GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. JUST TO PROVIDE A REMINDER OF THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE, WE ARE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE AND ALSO THE COUNTY'S CRIME LAB.

WE SERVE ALL OF HARRIS COUNTY PLUS SEVEN LOCAL COUNTIES WHO ARE INTO LOCAL AGREEMENTS TO TH MEDICAL EXAMINER'S SIDE. AT THE CRIME LAB IS 85 SUBMITTING AGENCIES, WHICH INCLUDES THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THE CONSTABLE, THE FIRE MARSHAL BUT NOT HPD.

[07:00:06]

THEY HAVE THEIR OWN CRIME LAB. >>> WE ARE THE LARGEST COUNTY RUN OFFICE IN THE STATE.

WE HAVE BY FAR THE HIGHEST CASELOAD, WHICH WE WILL TALK MORE ABOUT IN A SECOND.

>>> ALL OF OUR SERVICES ARE ACCREDITED TO INDUSTRY ACCEPTED STANDARDS.

IN FACT, WE RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT WE HAD BEEN REACCREDITED B THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS EXAMINER'S WE CAME TO OUR OFFICE LAST MONT AND DID AN ASSESSMENT.

>>> OFFICE QUALITY MANAGEMENT IS ALSO ACCREDITED. SO WE MAINTAIN ALL THOSE ACCREDITATIONS AND ALL TIMES. I AM GOING TO LET DR. WILL TALK TO YOU ABOUT THE NEXT COUPLE OF SLIDES WITH MEDICAL EXAMINER CASELOAD NUMBERS. GOOD EVENING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. THANKS FOR STICKING IT OUT LATE FOR THIS HEARING.

>>> I AM GOING TO TALK A BIT ABOUT OUR NUMBERS ON THE MEDICA EXAMINER'S SIDE OF THIS OFFICE.

YOU KNOW, WHEN THE PANDEMIC CAM TO AMERICA LAST YEAR, YOU ARE CASELOAD WAS GOING TO GO UP AND IT'S AT A TIME WHEN WE ARE ALSO FACED WITH A SHORTAGE OF PPE. AND THE LATTER HAS FORTUNATELY RESOLVED ITSELF BUT CASELOAD ISSUE IS CONTINUING ON. WE KNEW THAT THE CASES WERE GOING TO GO UP BECAUSE WE DID SOME THINGS PROACTIVELY TRY TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BODIES THA WE NEEDED TO BRING IN FOR US. ONE OF THE THINGS WE DID, JUST TO GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE, ARE THE KEYS THAT WE CERTIFY THAT ACTUALLY BRINGING THE BODY IN, SIMPLY CERTIFIED BASED ON MEDICAL RECORDS. AND A FEW YEARS AGO WE DID ABOU 350 OF THOSE CASES EVERY YEAR.

AS OF LAST YEAR WE DID OVER 1,0001060 CASES THAT WERE CERTIFIED, JUST BASED ON MEDICA RECORDS —- 106 YEAR CASES. BUT EVEN WITH THOSE RECORDS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BODIES WE HAD TO EXAMINE YOU CAN SEE HERE ON THIS SLIDE THE NUMBER OF AUTOPSIES AND NUMBER OF EXTERNA EXAMINATIONS, TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES IS WAY UP. IF YOU LOOK AT THE NUMBER OF AUTOPSIES PLUS EXTERNAL DONATIONS COME IN 2021 HE BROUGHT ALMOST $6,000 FOR

EXAMINATION. >>> IF YOU LOOK AT THAT INSTANT DRAFT THE MEDICAL EXAMINER IN HIS COUNTY STARTED IN 1957. 6,000 IS BY A WIDE MARGIN MORE THAN THIS OFFICE HAS EVER BROUGHT IN. AND THINGS HAVEN'T —- MANY WE ARE ONLY 11 DAYS INTO 2022, BUT I CAN SHOW YOU THINGS HAVE SLOWED DOWN ANY.

>>> SO THIS IS AN UNPRECEDENTED NUMBER OF BODIES BROUGHT IN FOR EXAMINATION.

AND WE AUTOPSIED 84 PERCENT OF THE BODIES THAT WE BROUGHT IN, WHICH, YOU KNOW, IS ABOUT WHAT

WE NORMALLY DO PREPANDEMIC. SO IT IS A BIG VOLUME. >>> BUT IF YOU GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE YOU CAN SEE THAT THE INCREASE IS ACROSS ALL MANNERS OF DEATH.

ABOUT THE THING THAT IS REALLY PROBLEMATIC IS THE HIGHEST INCREASE IN HOMICIDES.

I JUST LOOK AT THE NUMBERS TO TODAY, AND WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT ON THE SCREEN HERE IN YELLOW IS 2020. WELL, IN TRAN21 WE ARE AND SO FAR 692 HOMICIDES, AND THAT IS FOR THE FEW CASES STILL PENDING SO IT WILL GO UP OR WE ARE ALMOST 700 HOMICIDES ARE AND I KNOW THAT IT TALKS ABOUT, YOU KNOW, HUNDRED HOMICIDES A YEAR, AND I MEAN, IS THERE LOOKING AT THE CITY OF HOUSTON ONLY INSIDE THE CITY'S LIMITS. WE DEAL WITH THE ENTIRE COUNTY THAT INCLUDES THE CITY OF HOUSTON, SO ALMOST 700 HOMI HOMICIDES.

>>> WHAT YOU CAN SEE ON THIS GRAPH, AND IS REALLY MUCH MORE DIFFICULT FOR ME TO QUANTITATE, IS WITHIN THOSE CASES THE LEVEL OF COMPLEXITY IN OTHER WORDS, THE LEVEL OF VIOLENCE.

YOU KNOW, IT USED TO BE, YOU KNOW, ALSO GUNSHOT WOUND CASES WERE FAR, SIX SHOTS, SOMETHING LIKE THAT ARBERG NOW WE ARE SEEING 15, 20, 25, 30. LAST YEAR I DID TWO AUTOPSIES WITH OVER 40 GUNSHOTS EACH. I HAVE NEVER IN MY CAREER SEEN THAT.

AND WE ARE TALKING MORE CASES WHERE, YOU KNOW, ONE PATHOLOGIS TAKES TWO, SOMETIMES THREE DAYS TO COMPLETE ONE CASE. AND, YOU KNOW, HISTORICALLY WE WOULD DEAL WITH 12, 14 BODIES A DAY. BUT NOW THIS IS AVERAGE, THIS I TODAY'S LIST, 28 CASES THAT'S ABOUT AVERAGE, 28, WITH FOUR HOMICIDES. SO IT'S A LOT OF CASES, IT'S A

[07:05:01]

LOT OF COMPLEXITY. >>> IF YOU GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE.

>>> THE OTHER THING THAT IS REALLY SKYROCKETING, AS IT HAS ACROSS THE REST OF THE COUNTRY, IS THE DRUG DEATHS. YOU KNOW, REST OF THE COUNTRY, PARTICULARLY THE EAST COAST WAS HIT WITH OPIATES, FENTANYL AND ALL THAT SEVERAL YEARS AGO. GUESS WHAT, IT IS FINALLY IN HOUSTON, SO WE ARE NOW BEING ON TOP OF ALL OF THE VIOLENCE. WE ARE BEING OVERWHELMED WITH

THIS. >>> BACK IN 2018 WE HAD JUST UNDER 100 BEN STEELE CASES, LAS YEAR IT WAS OVER 400, RIGHT. AND EVERYTHING ELSE IS UP TOO. COCAINE IS STILL WAY HIGH

PALMSOURCE, YOU KNOW, THESE DRU DEATHS JUST CONTINUE TO GO UP. >>> AND, BY THE WAY, ALL OF THESE DRUG DEATHS REQUIRE AUTOPSIES, CAN'T GET AROUND IT. SO IF SOMEONE IS FOUND IN AT HOME, HE THINK IT MIGHT BE A DRUG DEAL, YOU'RE GOING TO DO A COMPLETE AUTOPSY.

>>> WE CAN GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE BORROW IT'S A LOT OF WORD ON HERE, BUT I'LL JUST TALK FOR A MINUTE. OUR ACCREDITATION, JULIE MENTIONED THAT WE WERE JUST THREE ACCREDITED, AND THAT'S TRUE. OUR ACCREDITATION REQUIRES ACTUALLY CAMP NUMBER OF AUTOPSIES THAT WE CAN DO. NO POSITION SHOULD BE PERFORMIN MORE THAN 325 AUTOPSIES, THEY WOULD PREFER TO BE DOWN TO 250. AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT THIS YEAR WE ARE GOING TO TOP THAT. AND SO WE ARE LOOKING AT WAYS T DECREASE THAT.

BUT WHAT'S HAPPENING ACROSS THE FIELD IS THIS: WE ARE NOT ALON IN THIS.

ACROSS THE COUNTRY, EVERY MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE IS DEALING WITH THIS INCREASE IN VOLUME AND INCREASE IN HOMI HOMICIDES. AND FORENSIC PATHOLOGISTS ARE LEAVING THE FIELD IN DROVES ON AND THEY ARE NOT LEAVING THE FIELD OF FORENSIC PATHOLOGY, THEY ARE LEAVING FORENSIC PATHOLOGY AND IS PRACTICED IN GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

AND THERE IS A WHOLE INDUSTRY O FORENSIC PATHOLOGISTS NOW WHO D CONSULTING PRIVATELY.

AND, YOU KNOW, I'VE HAD 70 BELIEVE OVER THE LAST —- WELL, SINCE THE START OF THE LAST Y YEAR, SEVEN PATHOLOGISTS LEFT. AND IS GETTING REALLY TOUGH. AND ANSWER MOST OF THOSE HAVE GONE ON TO DO PRIVATE CONS CONSULTING. WHAT THAT MEANS IS THAT THEY AR NOW ABLE TO DESIGNATE WHICH DAY OF THE WEEK THEY WANT TO WORK, HOW MANY WEEKS OF THE MONTH THE WANT TO WORK ON THE CASE ARE SELECTED FOR THEM. THEY DON'T DO HOMICIDE BECAUSE NO ONE IS GOING TO PAY A CONTRACTOR TO COME BACK AND TESTIFY IN CASES.

SO WHERE THIS IS GOING IS YOU KNOW WE'RE GOING TO END UP HAVING TO BRING IN CONTRACTORS AND PAY THEM MORE THAN WE OTHERWISE WOULD. IRONICALLY WE WILL PROBABLY END UP BRINGING BACK SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO LEFT THIS OFFICE TO GO DO PRIVATE WORK WANT TO DO CONTRACT WORK FOR US, AND WE WILL BE PAYING THEM MORE THAN W WERE BEFORE.

>>> THE UPSHOT IS THIS: I'VE HAD JOBS POSTED NOW FOR OVER A YEAR, AND NOBODY THAT I COULD EVEN INTERVIEW. AND THE ONLY WAY AROUND THIS IS TO OFFER MORE IN SALARY THAN TH MARKET RATE. AND BEEN HERE BEFORE BEFORE, AN IT'S WORKED.

BUT THAT THE ONLY WAY OVER THIS HURDLE. AND, YOU KNOW, I REALIZE IS COMMISSIONERS HERE SITTING THER THINKING, YOU KNOW, YOU GUYS AR MAKING MORE MONEY TO MOST OF TH PEOPLE IN THE COUNTY. THAT'S TRUE. AND, YES, THIS IS WHAT I'M TELLING YOU. IT'S A LOT OF MONEY FOR SALARIE BUT NO OTHER WAY AROUND IT BECAUSE WE'RE GOING TO END UP SPENDING MORE MONEY IN CONTRACTORS THAN WE WOULD IN BUSTI SALARIES AND ACTUALLY RECRUITING PEOPLE. MR. WOLF, I AM LOOKING AT THE TIME AND IS GETTING KIND OF L LATE. HOW MUCH LONGER DO YOU HAVE TO

GET TO YOUR SLIDES? >>> YEAH, YOU KNOW WHAT, THAT WAS THE MAIN THING I WANT TO SA SO I'LL TURN OVER TO JULIE AND SHE CAN TALK ABOUT THE CRIME LA SIDE OF THIS.

YEAH IF WE COULD GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE, AND I'LL JUST CU THROUGH THESE VERY QUICKLY.

THE NEXT FEW SLIDES TO SHOW THA OUR CRIME LAB CASES, THE CASELOAD ON THE OTHER SIDE OF OUR OFFICE'S CRIME LABS HAS ALS BEEN GOING UP. IF YOU LOOK AT FIREARMS IN PARTICULAR IT'S UP 64 PERCENT. SO WE CAN SKIP TWO SLIDES. THERE YOU GO, DRAKE BHATIA SO A DR. WITH WENJIAN, WE HAVE THREE PRIMARY CHALLENGES IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR.

>>> THE FIRST ONE IS OUR CASELOAD, WHICH HAS INCREASED OVER THE LAST FIVE YEAR AVERAGE AND WE HAVE NO DATA TO SUPPORT THE IDEA THAT THAT CASELOAD IS GOING TO DECREASE AT ANY POINT.

AND OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE NO CONTRO OVER THAT CHALLENGE. >>> THE OTHER TWO CHALLENGES, NUMBER ONE IS OUR OPERATING BUDGET. WE WERE PROVIDED A NONLABOR

[07:10:04]

ALL THAT WENT INTO OUR OPER OPERATING. BUT OUR ACTUAL OPERATING SPACES FOR THE LAST YEAR IS 11 PERCENT HIGHER THAN WHAT WE ACTUALLY TOOK IN.

SO WE HAVE BEEN FREEZING SOME O OUR POSITION VACANCIES TO FREE UP DOLLARS AND TRANSFER THOSE TWO OPERATING. FREEZING THOSE SALARIES DOES NO HELP US WITH OUR LAST CHALLENGE WHICH I KNOW YOU'VE HEARD FROM OTHER SPEAKERS TODAY, WHICH IS STAFF ATTRITION.

SO AS OF THE END OF DECEMBER WE HAD 29 VACANCIES. WE'VE LOST 52 PHYSICIANS IN FISCAL YEAR 21. THREE OF THOSE WERE RETIREMENTS BUT PRIMARILY WE ARE LOSING PEOPLE BECAUSE WE CAN'T COMPETE. AND THEY ARE MOVING TO NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES ARE THE CITY OF HOUSTON AFTER WE'VE SPENT MONTHS AND SOMETIMES YE YEARS, TRAINING THEM IN A FORENSIC SCIENCE. THEY HAVE LEFT US AT THAT POINT BECAUSE THEY CAN EASILY MAKE MORE MONEY IN A NEIGHBORING PLACE. SO WE HAVE LESS MONEY AND HIGHE CASELOAD. THAT MAKES OTHER PLACES FAR MOR ATTRACTIVE.

>>> WE ARE ALSO HAVING A HARDER TIME BRINGING IN NEW PEOPLE BECAUSE ON A NATIONWIDE BASIS WE ARE JUST NOT AT THE SAME LEVEL AS OTHER OFFICES WHERE PEOPLE ARE BEING RECRUITE

FROM. >>> LAST SLIDE, PLEASE. >>> SO OUR REQUEST I'LL JUST GO THROUGH VERY QUICKLY ON OUR PRIORITY RIGHT NOW IS TRY TO KEEP THE STAFF THAT WE HAVE.

WE JUST CONCLUDED A SALARY SURVEY WITH HR, AND THAT IS OUR LONG-TERM PLAN TO ADJUST SALARIES ACCORDINGLY BASED ON THAT SURVEY. BUT IN THE MEANTIME WE TAKE ANECDOTAL INFORMATION THAT REVIEWS FROM EXIT INTERVIEWS OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE LEFT OVER THE LAST YEAR, AND CAME TO A NUMBER OF 5 PERCENT THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE TO ALL OF OUR STAFF. IT'S THE START. WE DON'T BELIEVE IT WILL MAKE U COMPETITIVE, BUT WE DO BELIEVE THAT IT WILL ADD TO MORALE OF OUR STAFF, AND IT MAY KEEP SOME

OF OUR PEOPLE A LITTLE LONGER. >>> WE ARE ALSO ASKING FOR 14 NEW POSITIONS TO TRY TO REDUCE OUR CASELOAD TURNAROUND, AND AN OPERATING BUDGET INCREASE SO THAT WE ARE TRANSPARENT WITH TH COURT AS TO HOW MUCH IT COSTS T PROVIDE SUPPLIES AND CHEMICALS AND.

TO OUR STAFF RIGHT NOW. AND WE LOVE TO BECOME FULLY STAFFED AND NOT HAVE TO RELY ON

ANY VACANCY SAVINGS ANYMORE. >>> SO WE ARE HAPPY TO TAKE ANY QUESTIONS, THANKS.

THANK YOU. DO MIKE RAWLINGS HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

>>> QUICKLY, THANK YOU. THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION AND THANK YOU FOR DR. SANCHEZ, ALL THAT YOU AND YOUR TEAM DO. AND I GUESS I'M JUST CURIOUS BECAUSE I THINK I MIGHT HAVE MISSED THE PART OF TOUCH DNA AN THAT PARTICULAR WORK.

WHERE ARE YOU IN TERMS OF HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO INCREASE YOUR CAPACITY SINCE YEARS BACK IN

TERMS OF DOING DNA ANALYSIS? >>> ACTUALLY, IT'S A GOOD QUESTION, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN HEAR AN ECHO. I AM HEARING AND ECHO FROM MY SIDE YES, AS YOU KNOW THAT IS A PROJECT THAT WE REALLY BELIEVE IN RIGHT NOW. WHAT WE ARE DOING IS WE ARE OUTSOURCING PROPERTY CRIME CASE TO A PRIVATE LAB. WE HAVE THE EXPERTISE, AS YOU KNOW. WE HAVE THE SPIRIT BECAUSE WE DID IT FOR MANY YEARS.

AND I THINK WE NEED TO DO THAT AT SOME POINT HERE, IN-HOUSE. WILL HAVE THE CAPACITY TO DO IT.

WE ARE DOING SOME OF THEM. BUT THIS IS AGAIN SOME OF THE PLANS FOR THE OFFICE.

WE WOULD LIKE TO BRING THE DNA LAB INTO THIS NEW FACILITY AND AT THAT POINT SPEND THAT SER

SERVICE, BECAUSE WE KNOW HOW TO DO IT, AND WE DO IT VERY WELL. >>> I WILL TAYLOR THE FORENSI GENETICS LAB DOING VERY WELL. ACTUALLY THE ENTIRE CRIME LAB I DOING VERY WELL.

AS YOU KNOW, WE DO ALL THE SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES HERE. ALL THE TESTING IS DONE HERE.

WE DON'T OUTSOURCE SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES. WE DON'T HAVE A BACKLOG.

[07:15:02]

BUT WE'VE GOT TO CATCH THEM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, IDENTIFY THEM, AND PROVIDE DIRECTIVES TO GET THEM INTO CUSTODY FOR THOSE CRIMES BEFORE THEY BECOME VIOLENT OFFENDERS.

>>> SO I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU ON THAT BECAUS RIGHT NOW YOU ARE JUST CATCHING WHAT IS COMING AT YOU. AND I THINK THERE IS A STRATEGI WAY TO INCLUDE YOU ON THE PRACTICE SIDE OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND VIOLENT CRIME REDUCTION.

THANK YOU, AND, COMMISSIONER, W HAVE A PLAN, WE KNOW HOW TO FAC IT.

WE JUST WAITING FOR THE RIGHT TIME FOR THE COUNTY. THANK YOU.

>> JUST A QUICK QUESTION. DR. SANCHEZ, I WAS JUST BRINGIN UP, I'VE BEEN APPROACHED BY THE LAWYER OR PLANNING SOME OF THE FAMILIES FROM THE ACTUAL WORD TRAGEDY AND SOME FAMILIES HAVE CALLED US ABOUT WANTING TO SEE THEIR LOVED ONES' AUTOPSY RE REPORT.

AND I ASKED MR. MENEFEE TO REAC A. I DID TELL HIM THAT IF THE ISSU IS NOT RESOLVED, I WOULD PUT IT ON THE AGENDA, SO I HOPE YOU AR TALKING TO MR. MENEFEE.

I WOULD WANT HIM HAVE TO GO —- THE AUTOPSY IS WHATEVER IT IS, AND I DON'T THINK THAT I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE POLICY IS —- I WOULD WANT HIM TO HAVE TO GO —- IF IT WAS ONE OF MY LOVED ONES, I WANT THEM TO PROVIDE TO TELL ME WHY CAN GOING GET YOUR OWN AUTOPSY BUMPER ON WANT TO BRING UP YOU BECAUSE —- I DID COMMIT AND PUT IT ON THE AGENDA AND I PREFER IT WAS RESOLVED AND

NUMBERS ARE NOT COMING TO US BU I DID MAKE THAT, AND. >> YEAH, UNDERSTAND BUT IN THE CASE WERE DOING HERE, EACH OF THE CASE ARE CLASSIFIED MAMA I THINK THIS HAS ON THE AUTOPSY REPORT ARE READY, I THINK THE POLICE IS STILL INVESTIGATING. THERE IS STILL MORE

INVESTIGATION BUT WE WILL WORK WITH THE COUNTY. >> NEXT UTILITIES IN ONE LAW FIRM WHO HAVE CALLED YOU ABOUT PUBLICA BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T BEEN COMPLETED, THAT'S ONE TH THING, BUT AS WE GO THROUGH CASES ABOUT RELEASING VIDEOS, RELEASING IT IS, SOMETIMES THE PREVIOUS CHIEF POLICE WOULD LIMIT ON A FAMILY MEMBER BECAUS HE DIDN'T WANT TO LET THEM OUT.

SO IT IS WHAT IT IS, SO THAT'S WHAT THEY WERE TOLD. >> OKAY, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONE P, WELL, THANK YOU, DR. SANCHEZ AND DR.S WOLF AND FOR THE PRESENTATION AND ALL THE NUMBER AND THE DATA. YOU MAKE A VERY STRONG CASE. I THINK THE QUESTION IS ONE OF RESOURCES SO I KNOW OUR COUNTY DEMONSTRATOR WILL BE WORKING WITH YOU GUYS TO TRY TO SQUARE ALL THIS. BUT OBVIOUSLY, YOU KNOW, IT'S IMPORTANT WORK AND YOU GUYS HAV REALLY BEEN THROUGH THE RINGER AS FRONT LINE STAFF DURING THIS PANDEMIC, AND THE RELATED CRIME WAVE, SO THANK YOU YOU AND YOUR STAFF, FOR YOUR WORK AND SACRIFICE.

THANK YOU COLLEGES, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS. ALL RIGHT, WELL, THAT CLOSES US OUT FOR THE DAY HUNGER APPRECIATE IT. IF THERE ISN'T ANYTHING ELSE,

COUNTY ATTORNEY OR COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR? >> GOOD HERE.

THANK YOU. AND THIS PRESENTATION TEMPLATE HAVE BEEN VERY USEFUL, DAVE,

THANK YOU. >>> ALL RIGHT, IT IS 7:40 AND TODAY'S BUDGET HEARINGS ARE NOW ADJOURNED. THANK YOU

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.