HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0041) M&C 22-0185City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 03/08/22 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 22-0185
LOG NAME: 38MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE REAPPOINTMENT 2022
SUBJECT
(ALL) Adopt Attached Ordinance Reappointing the Municipal Judges, Chief Judge and Deputy Chief Judge for a Two -Year Term Commencing
April 1, 2022 and Ending March 31, 2024
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Reappoint James D. Rodgers as Chief Judge and Simon C. Gonzalez as Deputy Chief Judge; and
2. Reappoint Andrew T. Bradshaw, Raquel D. Brown, Melanie A. Houston, Thaddeus A. Iwuji, Claudia A. Martinez, R. Neel McDonald, and
Patricia L. Summers as Municipal Judges for a two-year term commencing April 1, 2022 and ending March 31, 2024, or until a successor is
qualified and appointed in accordance with state law.
DISCUSSION:
Reappointment of Municipal Court Judges, Chief Judge and the Deputy Chief Judge:
Chapter 30 of the Texas Government Code (the Uniform Municipal Courts of Record Act) sets out the requirements for appointment of judges and
the presiding judge for Municipal Courts of Record. Section 30.00006(b) of the Texas Government Code requires the governing body of a
municipality to appoint its Municipal Judges by ordinance. Section 30.00006(h) of the Texas Government Code requires the City Council to set the
salary for the Municipal Judges. Section 30.00007 of the Texas Government Code requires the governing body of the municipality to designate a
presiding judge if there is more than one Municipal Judge in the municipality. Section 10-3 of the City Code requires the City Council to designate
a Chief Judge with the duties of a presiding judge. The City Council is also authorized to designate a Deputy Chief Judge.
Currently there are 10 Judicial Places. One judicial vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Ann Collins. After a review of the judicial
staffing needs, Chief Judge Rodgers recommended to the Committee that one vacant judicial place be filled though an application process.
On February 22, 2022 the Legislative Affairs Committee voted to recommend to the City Council that Andrew T. Bradshaw, Raquel D. Brown,
Simon C. Gonzalez, Melanie Houston, Thaddeus Iwuji, Claudia A. Martinez, Robert Neel McDonald, James D. Rodgers, and Patricia L. Summers
be reappointed as Municipal Judges for a two-year term commencing April 1, 2022 and ending March 31, 2024, or until a successor is qualified
and appointed in accordance with state and local law and; and the designation of James D. Rodgers as Chief Judge and Simon C. Gonzalez as
Deputy Chief Judge
On the same date, the Legislative Affairs Committee voted to increase salaries for the Municipal Judges by 8%, Deputy Chief Municipal Judge by
8% and the Chief Municipal Judge position by 4% in FY2022 effective 4/1/2022. Salaries will increase by an additional 4% in FY2023 effective
10/1/2022. A separate M & C and ordinance will be submitted in FY2023 for any pay rate adjustment for the 2023 Fiscal Year. The new pay rate
adjustment will set the FY2022 hourly pay rate for the Chief Judge, Deputy Chief Judge and 7 Municipal Judges as follows:
1. An hourly rate of $54.52 in FY2022 for Municipal Judges Melanie Houston and Thaddeus Iwuji.
2. An hourly rate of $61.48 in FY2022 for Municipal Judges Patricia Summers and Raquel Brown
3. An hourly rate of $64.12 in FY2022 for Municipal Judges R. Neel McDonald, Andrew Bradshaw and Claudia Martinez.
4. An hourly rate of $66.45 in FY2022 for Municipal Judge Simon Gonzalez
5. An hourly rate of $74.42 in FY2022 for Municipal Judge James D. Rodgers
Municipal Court Judge Place 9 will be appointed after an application process.
This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the above recommendations and adoption of the ordinance, funds will be available in the
current operating budget, as previously appropriated, in the General Fund. Prior to any expenditure being incurred, the Municipal Court
Department has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office W. Valerie Washington 6199
Originating Business Unit Head: William Rumuly 7461
Additional Information Contact: William Rumuly 7461
Expedited