In a recent meeting of the Lubbock County Commissioners Court, Judge Riley presented a detailed overview of her office's goals and objectives, highlighting significant challenges and plans for improvement. The discussion, which took place on June 26, 2025, revealed a pressing issue regarding the backlog of unresolved tickets and civil cases, some dating back as far as 20 years. Judge Riley noted that nearly 30,000 cases were affected by a lack of proper complaint filings, leading to a two-year statute of limitations that rendered many cases invalid.

The judge emphasized her efforts to clear these cases, collaborating with the District Attorney's office to dismiss approximately 20,000 tickets and 10,000 civil cases. However, a technical glitch during the transition to a new case management system, Odyssey, left around 11,000 dismissed cases still showing as pending in the court's records. Judge Riley expressed her frustration over the ongoing issues with the system, which have persisted since its implementation in 2020, and indicated that a solution may be on the horizon.

Budget discussions also took center stage, with Judge Riley advocating for necessary funding to address the office's operational needs, including new furniture and technology upgrades. She highlighted the inadequacy of current office furniture, which has led to discomfort among staff, and requested a budget increase to accommodate these essential purchases. The judge's budget proposal included a request for $50,000 for new furniture, a significant increase from previous years, as she noted that existing furniture was not only outdated but also detrimental to staff health.

Additionally, Judge Riley addressed the growing caseload in her court, particularly in truancy cases, which have surged due to the court's expanded jurisdiction over local schools. She noted that her court has taken on cases from multiple schools, significantly increasing the workload and necessitating additional support staff. Despite budget constraints, she remains committed to improving efficiency and service delivery in her office.

As the meeting progressed, tensions arose regarding the focus on departmental accountability, with some members urging a more collaborative approach to problem-solving rather than placing blame. The discussion underscored the importance of teamwork in addressing the challenges faced by the court system.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of Judge Riley and her office to navigate complex legal and administrative challenges while seeking to enhance operational efficiency and staff well-being. The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape the future of the Lubbock County court system as it strives to meet the needs of its community.