Maverick County Could Face Nearly $1 Million ln Additional Costs Following Judicial District Courts Split in 2029
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
Maverick County could face nearly $1 million in additional financial obligations beginning in 2029 as a result of the planned separation of the 293rd Judicial District, according to District Attorney Roberto Serna, who addressed Commissioners Court during its Wednesday, October 28, 2026 meeting.
Serna warned county officials that the separation of Maverick and Dimmit counties, scheduled to take effect January 1, 2029, could substantially increase the cost of operating the District Attorney’s Office at a time when Maverick County is already experiencing serious financial difficulties.
According to Serna, the annual budget for the District Attorney’s Office could increase to approximately $835,000, representing an additional $400,000 over current expenditures.
When other anticipated expenses associated with the judicial district separation are considered, Serna estimated that Maverick County could face approximately $1 million in additional financial obligations.
The district attorney also informed commissioners that his office currently needs approximately $225,118 to address existing staffing shortages, including an additional investigator and two secretarial positions.
Serna explained that assistant district attorneys are currently performing administrative duties in addition to their prosecutorial responsibilities because of insufficient staffing.
Compounding the situation, Serna projected a budget shortfall of approximately $33,167 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, potentially requiring reductions in expenditures, including professional training.
The district attorney also raised concerns about whether the judicial district separation remains financially practical, noting that discussions have taken place in other affected counties regarding the possibility of reconsidering the arrangement because of the anticipated costs.
He suggested that county officials evaluate whether maintaining the existing judicial district structure might be more financially manageable.
The warning comes as Maverick County continues confronting budgetary challenges affecting several departments and its ability to provide advance funding for reimbursable state grants.
Although the separation is not scheduled to take effect until January 2029, Serna emphasized the importance of preparing for the additional expenditures before they become immediate financial obligations.
The discussion highlighted another significant challenge for county officials as they attempt to balance existing financial commitments with future responsibilities associated with operating an independent prosecutorial district.
