Baytown Set to Appoint Michael Garner as Municipal Court Presiding Judge

The Baytown City Council is scheduled to consider the appointment of a presiding judge of the Baytown Municipal Court at its next meeting on February 26. Council is expected to approve Michael Garner to succeed Judge Julie Escalante following her retirement after 28 years of dedicated service to the community.

City Manager Jason Reynolds said, “Judge Escalante faithfully served Baytown residents for nearly three decades, and we are deeply grateful for her leadership and commitment to justice. If approved, Mr. Garner’s experience serving our community will help ensure continued excellence in our Municipal Court.” 

Garner holds a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University and brings more than two decades of public service and municipal legal experience. Most recently, he served as City Attorney in Conroe. He previously served as Assistant City Attorney in both Conroe and Baytown, where he played a key role in the transition of Baytown’s Municipal Court to a Court of Record. Earlier in his career, he worked as a prosecuting attorney in Michigan.

A 16-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the Michigan Air National Guard, Garner brings a strong military service record to the role.

Upon approval, Garner would begin serving as Presiding Judge on March 2. His annual salary is scheduled to be $162,000.

For more information, contact Jason Calder at 281-420-5802 or by email.