The Collin County Commissioners Court voted 3-0 on Oct. 13 to amend its fiscal year 2025 budget to add $850,000 for court-appointed representation in adult and juvenile cases.

County Administrator Yoon Kim told the court the request reflects rising caseloads and costs. "This is a budget amendment for fiscal year 2025 where we need to amend the budget for $850,000 for expenditures for appointed lawyers," Kim said, adding that expenditures from FY2024 to FY2025 have increased "approximately 17%."

The amendment was presented during general discussion after the court removed one earlier item from the agenda. Following the presentation, a court member moved to approve the amendment and another member seconded; the motion carried by voice vote, recorded by the presiding official as "Motion carries 3 to 0." Two elected officials — Judge Hill and Commissioner Williams — were absent for the meeting.

Nut graf: The amendment is intended to cover outstanding invoices and anticipated costs for court-appointed counsel through the end of FY2025. County staff said similar funding levels will need review for FY2026 as caseloads and population growth continue.

Court members discussed that the increase reflects growing population and case filings rather than a change in policy. Kim said the county has budgeted the same level for FY2026 but signaled that an additional adjustment may be required later.

The court did not specify the funding source in the meeting record, nor did staff identify which accounts would be reduced or supplemented to cover the $850,000. No amendments to the motion were recorded.

Ending: The court recorded the vote as 3-0 and did not set an implementation date beyond the amended FY2025 budget. The matter will reappear in future budget discussions as staff monitors caseload-driven costs for appointed counsel.