AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Ordinance 2026-27, on the first of two readings, appointing William Henry as the Presiding Municipal Court Judge for the San Marcos Municipal Court of Record to fill the vacancy ending October 31, 2026 and continuing for a two-year term thereafter; including procedural provisions; and providing an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: July 7, 2026
Department: HR, City Council
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Background Information:
A vacancy for the position of presiding judge for the Municipal Court of Record has been created by the retirement of Judge Dallari Landry.
Chapter 30 of the Texas Government Code requires that the municipal court judge may be appointed for either a two-year or four-year term. Consistent with Chapter 55 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, enacted pursuant to state law, provides that the presiding municipal court judge in San Marcos shall be appointed for a term of two years.
In addition, state law and the City’s ordinance provide that the City Council shall fill any vacancies for this position for the remainder of the term of the previous judge.
In this instance, Judge Landry’s term of office expires on October 31, 2026. Therefore, the attached ordinance provides that the new judge will be appointed first to fill the vacancy created by Judge Landry’s departure through October 31, 2026. Thereafter, the new judge is appointed by this ordinance for a new two-year term beginning November 1, 2026. In accordance with the City's recruitment and appointment process, the City conducted a comprehensive search to identify qualified candidates with the experience, knowledge, and commitment necessary to serve the residents of San Marcos.
Following a competitive selection process, interviews were conducted with qualified candidates by the Mayor and City Council. Based on his legal experience, judicial qualifications, and demonstrated commitment to public service, William Henry was selected as the candidate best suited to serve as Municipal Court Judge for the City of San Marcos.
The City Council now desires to appoint William Henry as Municipal Court Judge at an annual salary of $122,000.
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