Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution to appoint a Presiding Municipal Court Judge.
Summary
DATE: March 1, 2022
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Eva Bark, Executive Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT: Appointment of Presiding Municipal Court Judge
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On October 5, 2021, Mark Kimball submitted his letter of retirement as the Presiding Municipal Court Judge of the City of Killeen, Texas effective February 23, 2022.
Human Resources advertised the position on various outlets to include the City’s website, the Texas Municipal League, Texas District and County Attorney’s Association, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Texas Municipal Court Education Center, Texas Court Clerk Association, Indeed, and State Bar of Texas websites.
The City solicited twenty-four (24) candidates. Twenty-three candidates met or exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position. On January 25, 2022, the City Council narrowed the candidates to six (6) finalists.
On February 11, 2022, each finalist interviewed with the City Council and a consensus was reached to offer the position of Presiding Municipal Court Judge to Mr. Kris Krishna. On February 22, 2022, the City Council approved the selection.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Alternatives are: (1) to not approve the appointment of Kris Krishna as the City of Killeen’s Presiding Municipal Court Judge or (2) to approve the appointment Kris Krishna as the City of Killeen’s Presiding Municipal Court Judge.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends the second alternative, approving the appointment of Kris Krishna. Mr. Krishna brings over ten (10) years of experience in municipal and county entities. He most recently served in the Webb County District Attorney’s Office as a Border Prosecutor for two and a half (2½) years. He also served as Assistant City Attorney with the City of Grand Prairie for over four (4) years and as Assistant District Attorney for Tarrant County District Attorney’s office for almost four (4) years. Mr. Krishna earned his bachelor’s degree in Occupational Education from Texas State University and his Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Section 32 of the City Charter authorizes the City Council to appoint a magistrate as a presiding judge for the court, and associate judges, as deemed necessary for the benefit and conduct of the court. Presiding Municipal Court Judge shall serve terms of four (4) years.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The annual base salary of the position is $120,000, plus benefits. The prorated amount through the end of the fiscal year is estimated at $73,221, salary and benefits, and funds are available in the Municipal Court budget.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
This is a recurring expenditure.
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Yes, in the General Fund Municipal Court salary and benefit accounts 010-5015-417.40-05 through 010-5015-417.40-89.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Council approve the appointment of Kris Krishna to the City of Killeen’s position of Presiding Municipal Court Judge.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
City Manager
City Attorney
Finance
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
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