9:30 AM – Conduct public hearing relating to a request of County Court at Law #4 to create an Associate Judge position and a court reporter position and to discuss (1) the reason for the position, including the public purpose that will be served by making the change; and (2) the exact amount of the changes, the sources of any additional funds needed, and the terms for distribution of any excess funds that effect and maintain the public purpose to be served by making the payments.

Williamson County has seen filings and proceedings in mental health-related matters skyrocket.  The COVID-19 pandemic has created an increase in mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety.  Civil mental health cases are handled in County Court at Law #4.  Mental health matters are in addition to the Judge's normal docket of Probate, Civil and Family cases.  Compared to 2014, in 2021 we have seen an increase of 342% in Applications for Temporary Mental Health Services, and 875% in Applications for Forced Medication, which includes inmates at the Williamson County Jail. It is extremely challenging and typically there is a lengthy wait to get an inmate a State bed for competency restoration.  This is a part of the increased need for Forced Medication hearings.  Each application for mental health services must be reviewed, considered and decided upon by a judicial officer within very strict time requirements, to preserve the right of proposed patients.  This currently requires the Judge to leave the bench to handle mental health related cases, within the required time.  An additional Associate Judge and Court Reporter could handle mental health cases, under the purview of Judge McMaster, allowing him to continue his regular docket without interruptions.  This would greatly increase efficiency and case capacity.