The San Marcos Municipal Court is responsible for all Class "C" misdemeanor laws. The court conducts bench and jury trials, pre-trials, arraignments, parking hearings and hearings for juveniles. The court also issues arrest and search warrants, subpoenas, summonses and collects fines and fees, according to the city's website.
Some background
The dais approved a lease agreement for the Municipal Court to lease space from Hays County out of the Hays County Government Center in 2013. San Marcos City Council approved an extension of that lease in 2017. However, in 2023, the county told the city they would not allow another renewal and that the lease would be terminated on Sept. 30, 2025, according to agenda documents.
Digging deeper
The city’s real estate team had searched for a space that could accommodate the needs of the Municipal Court. The property at 350 Barnes Dr. was identified as an “ideal” location in March. FGM Architects was hired to develop schematic design documents and provide a probable cost estimate for building out the interior space in May, according to agenda documents.
The city is anticipated to spend $2.6 million on build out costs, which includes interior buildout plus upgrading systems to convert the building to an office space. Staff recommended a 20-year lease term because of the significant cost.
What the city manager is saying
City Manager Stephanie Reyes commended the city's facilities team, real estate team and Assistant City Manager Rodney Gonzales for working with Presiding Judge Dallari Landry "hand in hand" to this agreement happen.
"I know everybody is relieved and happy to see this moving forward," Reyes said.
