District Attorney Roberto Serna told the Maverick County Commissioners Court on October 28, 2026, that the county could face nearly $1 million in additional financial obligations beginning in 2029. The estimate is tied to the planned separation of Maverick and Dimmit counties in the 293rd Judicial District, scheduled to take effect January 1, 2029. Serna said the annual budget for his office could rise to about $835,000, an increase of $400,000 over current spending. He estimated the total, including other expected separation expenses, at about $1 million.
Serna also said his office needs about $225,118 to fill staffing shortages, including an investigator and two secretarial positions. He said assistant district attorneys are currently handling administrative duties in addition to prosecution because of the shortages. He projected a budget shortfall of about $33,167 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, which could require spending cuts, including to professional training.
Serna raised concerns about whether the judicial district separation remains financially practical.