Retired Judge Terrell and other judicial officers administered oaths of office to newly elected and reelected Jim Wells County officials during the county commissioners court meeting on Jan. 1, 2025. Officials sworn in included judges, the county attorney, sheriff, tax assessor-collector, constables, county auditor and other county officers. After the swearing-in, the court voted to approve the bond of elected officials by voice vote.

The ceremony covered county and 79th Judicial District positions that will carry administrative, prosecutorial and law-enforcement responsibilities across Jim Wells County and the 79th Judicial District. The event also included brief remarks of thanks from several incoming officials and recognition of long-serving county staff.

Several officials gave short remarks after taking the oath. Michael Ventura Garcia, sworn as judge of the 79th Judicial District, said, “I've got some big shoes to fill and I'm up to the task,” and thanked family and supporters. Joseph Guy Baker, sworn as Jim Wells County sheriff, said the sheriff's office will maintain an “open door policy” and seek transparency with the community. Margie Gonzalez, who was recognized for long service to the county before handing keys to her successor, thanked constituents and said, “I just, thank you for allowing me to serve you for 12 years.”

The court then moved to agenda item 5, approving the bond of elected officials. A motion and a second were made; members were asked for a voice vote. The court recorded “Aye” and the chair announced, “Motion carries.” The meeting record does not contain a roll-call tally or the names of the motion mover and seconder.

The court closed the meeting after congratulating the newly sworn officials and encouraging public engagement in county government in 2025.

Officials sworn in (as recorded in the meeting transcript) included: Michael Ventura Garcia (79th Judicial District judge); Carlos Omar Garcia (79th Judicial District attorney); Rumaldo Rumi Solis (county court at law judge); George Aguilar (commissioner, Precinct 1); Renee Marie Kirchoff (commissioner, Precinct 3); Joseph Michael Guerra (Jim Wells County attorney); Mary C. Lozano (Jim Wells County tax assessor-collector); Joseph Guy Baker (Jim Wells County sheriff); Cynthia Garcia (Jim Wells County auditor); Ruben Valerio (director, 79th Judicial District Community Supervision and Corrections Department); Albert Martinez (constable, Precinct 1); Jim Long (constable, Precinct 3); Frank Davila Jr. (constable, Precinct 4); Gerald D. Addis Mendez (constable, Precinct 5); and Reynaldo (name variants in transcript) (constable, Precinct 6). Several speakers and parts of the transcript showed inconsistent name spellings; the article lists each official as sworn in per the meeting record.

The court recorded public thanks to outgoing staff members and recognized long-serving employees. The meeting record shows the judge and commissioners encouraged residents to engage with county government and noted the county intends to make increased use of community input during 2025.