Opinion No.

Honorable Ray Harris, CPA San Patricio County Auditor Sinton, Texas 78387

Re: Administrative assistant for the Judge of the 156th Judicial District.

Dear Mr. Harris:

You ask if it is `legal for the counties comprising the 156th Judicial District of Texas to budget for and provide a deputy court reporter and/or administrative assistant for the District Judge.'

The 156th Judicial District is composed of the counties of San Patricio, McMullen, Live Oak, Bee, and Aransas. V.T.C.S. art. 199 (156). The statute provides for the appointment of an official shorthand reporter for the court but it does not…