During a budget workshop meeting held on September 1, 2026, the newly appointed Navarro County Auditor Kimberly Martinez asked Commissioners to consider increasing the salary of the District Court Coordinator as well as other Court Coordinators.
Prior to this meeting, District Judge James Lagomarsino held a session in his courtroom in which Martinez officially took her oath of office.
Commissioner Eddie Moore stated, “We’re kind of the front line of the county. We need to remember this is taxpayer money. Citizens want to know where their money is being spent. I am a concerned citizen and taxpayer. We talk to our constituents and take that into consideration.”
County Judge Colby Karhan stated, “At this point, I just can’t get to that number. For me, the salary numbers need to be more in line around $80,000.00.”
Karhan suggested that the county use a step program. “It could take two years. I’m not prepared to make a significant change to job titles or salaries.”
Martinez responded, “The court coordinators run their judges’ dockets. It’s really the prosecution that loses a case, not the defense. What do you think has started a conversation where we are comparing elected officials’ salaries to area of expertise, higher employees’ salaries.”
Judge Karhan said, “We have to look at 334 employees. I am not saying they are not deserving, I just can’t rectify that and make that make sense.”
Moore stated, “Perception is reality. It is how the public perceives these things.”
Judge Lagomarsino was not present in Commissioners Court to ask for the raise.