Bexar County Commissioners approve nearly $12,000 for grand juries’ ‘supplemental pay’

Two grand juries each served an additional term at the beginning of the pandemic

SAN ANTONIO – In a unanimous vote Thursday, Bexar County Commissioners agreed to pay $11,969 to the members of two grand juries — that amounts to an additional $65 dollars per week for each juror.

Though some have called it hazard pay, commissioners have now labeled it as ‘supplemental pay.'

The juries, who had been serving when the pandemic hit and a moratorium was ordered on jury service in mid-March, agreed to serve an additional two-month term.

”I think it was justified in the sense that these people went above and beyond,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez said as he discussed the supplemental pay. ”But for their willingness to step up, then we may have had people that may not get indicted on charges that were very serious.”

The hazard pay proposal was initially presented to commissioners last week by Local Administrative Judge Ron Rangel.

RELATED: Bexar County courtrooms soon to have new look


About the Authors:

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.

Sal Salazar is a photojournalist at KSAT 12. Before coming to KSAT in 1998, he worked at the Fox affiliate in San Antonio. Sal started off his career back in 1995 for the ABC Affiliate in Lubbock and has covered many high-profile news events since. In his free time, he enjoys spending time at home, gaming and loves traveling with his wife.