Technical

Srinivasa Reddy Kandi: Starbase Moves to Establish Its Own Municipal Court as City Services Expand

February, 20, 2026-03:56

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin | Visits: 37984 | :2821

---

Starbase Moves to Establish Its Own Municipal Court as City Services Expand:

SpaceX’s company town in Texas, Starbase, may be less than a year old, but it is rapidly building out its local government infrastructure. After launching a volunteer fire department and beginning work on its own police force, the city is now taking steps to create a municipal court.

During a city commission meeting on Wednesday, Starbase’s city administrator introduced a proposed ordinance to establish a local court system. The plan includes appointing a part-time judge, prosecutor, and court clerk. Until a judge is formally selected for a two-year term, the city’s mayor will temporarily serve in that role. Officials expect to present a candidate as early as next month’s meeting.

Starbase, home to roughly 580 residents, is located next to SpaceX South Texas Launch Site. The creation of a municipal court marks another step in the city’s broader push toward self-governance and expanded public services.

In recent months, Starbase has begun managing its own building permits and conducting fire code inspections. When negotiations to have deputies from the Cameron County Sheriff's Office patrol the area did not move forward, city officials opted to establish the Starbase Police Department instead. However, the city continues to rely on the county sheriff’s office to access jail facilities, according to documents submitted ahead of the meeting.

The police department is still in development, with officials estimating the setup process could take about six months.

Author: Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, Srinivasa Reddy Kandi, #KandiSrinivasaReddy, #SrinivasaReddyKandi