EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Doña Ana County is taking a dispute with Sheriff Kim Stewart over personnel to the courts.
The County announced in a news release sent out on Friday morning, Feb. 21 that it has filed a petition for a writ of mandamus in the 3rd Judicial District Court to “make sure that recent graduates of Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Academy are able to begin serving as deputies.”
“This action follows Sheriff Kim Stewart’s written notice that she would not commission them,” the County said.
A copy of the writ of mandamus can be viewed here.
Here is the rest of the County’s statement:
“Since the start of the merit-based hiring system, enforced by ordinance, all Sheriffs have been expected to follow the County administrative policies, ensuring a fair and consistent process for hiring and promotions within the Sheriff’s Office. In 2024, the Board of County Commissioners made the latest addition, the Public Safety Hiring Standards, to set a standard for all public safety agencies in the County (including the Sheriff’s Office), and to create an appeals process for department heads who believe an initial decision is not correct.
“Under state statute, the Sheriff does not have sole hiring and firing authority over department personnel, except for the Undersheriff and the Executive Administrative Assistant, whom she is allowed to appoint. In line with county ordinance, the County’s Human Resources Department also does not make hiring and firing decisions — this authority is given to the County Manager, who makes those decisions after the proper Human Resources procedures have been followed and after consulting with the department head.
“The authority and administration of Doña Ana County’s human resources system are determined by County Code, including:
- § 45-6: Administration of human resources system
- § 45-8: Human Resources Policies
- § 45-10: County Manager authority“
The County said it will be providing a full report on its court petition during a Board of County Commissioners meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd.
KTSM has reached out Sheriff Kim Stewart for comment on this story.