In a recent budget workshop held on August 5, 2025, Collin County officials, including Constables Steve Asher and Carpenter, presented critical staffing needs in response to significant population growth and increased workloads in their precincts. The constables emphasized the necessity for additional legal clerks and changes in deputy positions to enhance operational efficiency and maintain public service standards.

The constables reported a staggering 107% increase in paperwork since 2021, with Precinct 1 alone experiencing a 57% rise. This surge in workload has not been matched by an increase in staffing, leading to concerns about the sustainability of current operations. Constable Asher highlighted that their offices have not added any new staff in recent years, which has resulted in delays in processing legal documents and increased stress among existing employees.

To address these challenges, the constables requested the addition of one legal clerk position for each precinct, which they believe is essential for managing the growing volume of legal papers. They argued that the current clerks are overwhelmed, each handling nearly 8,000 papers annually, which significantly exceeds the workload of clerks in other precincts.

Additionally, the constables proposed a reclassification of deputy positions to chief deputy roles to better reflect their leadership responsibilities and align with industry standards. This change, supported by the Human Resources department, aims to improve retention and recruitment by providing a clearer career progression within the constable's office.

Despite the pressing need for these changes, the request for an administrative secretary position to be upgraded to an office coordinator was not supported in the budget discussions. The constables argued that the evolving responsibilities of this role warrant a reclassification to ensure proper recognition and compensation.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the constable's offices in Collin County as they strive to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population. The constables urged county officials to consider their requests seriously, emphasizing that without adequate staffing, the quality of service to the community may be compromised. As the budget process continues, the constables remain hopeful for a favorable outcome that will allow them to better serve the residents of Collin County.