During a recent budget workshop held on August 5, 2025, Collin County officials discussed critical adjustments to the fiscal year 2026 budget, focusing on the pressing needs of the Domestic Violence Unit (DVU). The meeting highlighted a significant increase in domestic violence cases, prompting a request for an upgrade of a current secretary position to better support the unit's growing demands.

The DVU has seen a staggering 50% increase in felony intakes and a 161% rise in felony indictments over the past five years. To address this surge, officials proposed changing a legal secretary position from a grade 1 to a grade 2, which would enhance the unit's capacity to manage its workload effectively. Currently, the DVU operates with only one legal secretary, which is insufficient given the increased caseload.

In addition to the position upgrade, the DVU is also seeking funding for a special unit investigator, which is crucial for handling sensitive cases, particularly those involving child exploitation. However, there is some overlap between the responsibilities of this investigator and other confidential requests, which will be discussed in a closed session.

Another point of discussion was the unfilled position of a digital multimedia evidence coordinator, which has remained vacant for nearly nine months. The unit's leadership expressed a willingness to reconsider this position in light of the pressing needs for the DVU, indicating a flexible approach to resource allocation.

As the county navigates these budgetary challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that the DVU can provide high-quality prosecution and support for victims, reflecting the community's commitment to addressing domestic violence effectively. The outcomes of this workshop will play a crucial role in shaping the county's response to these urgent public safety needs.