Nicholas "Nico" Costilla for Hays County Clerk

• Lifelong Hays County resident. Proven public servant. Committed to efficient, transparent, and accessible county services.

• 11+ years serving Hays County at the Criminal District Attorney’s Office

• Misdemeanor Legal Assistant Supervisor

• Experienced in records management, public service, and office operations

 About Me

Friends and neighbors,

I’m Nicholas “Nico” Costilla, a lifelong Hays County resident, San Marcos High School graduate, and Texas State University alumnus. This community is home it’s where I was raised, where my family is, and where I’ve dedicated my career to public service.

For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of serving the people of Hays County through my work at the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. I started in intake, moved into the felony division, and today serve as the Misdemeanor Legal Assistant Supervisor. These roles have given me a deep, practical understanding of how county offices operate and how important it is that they serve the public efficiently, accurately, and with professionalism.

Beyond my professional experience, I’ve stayed actively involved in our community through local boards, organizations, and service opportunities. Giving back to Hays County has always been important to me, and that commitment is what led me to run for County Clerk.

Experience

Professional Experience

I have proudly served Hays County since 2014 at the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, where I currently serve as the Misdemeanor Legal Assistant Supervisor.

In this role, I oversee daily operations, supervise staff, and ensure that cases and records are handled accurately and efficiently. My work requires attention to detail, strong organization, and a commitment to public service.

Leadership & Operations

• Supervise and train staff to ensure consistent, high-quality work

• Oversee workflows and daily operations in a high-volume environment

• Ensure compliance with legal procedures and record accuracy

• Coordinate with multiple departments to support efficient case processing

• Maintain strong communication and accountability within the team

Modernization & Project Leadership

I recently helped lead the implementation of a major records management system within the District Attorney’s Office. This effort required coordination across multiple divisions, attention to detail, and a focus on improving efficiency and organization.

That experience reinforced how important it is to invest in systems and processes that help public offices better serve the community.

Why I am Running

I’m running for Hays County Clerk to give back to the community that has given so much to me.

After more than a decade working in county government, I understand how important it is for public offices to operate efficiently, communicate clearly, and provide reliable service to the people they serve.

The County Clerk’s Office plays a vital role in maintaining public records, supporting the courts, and providing important services to residents. I believe that office should be professional, accessible, and responsive every single day.

My focus is simple:

• Modernize and strengthen records management systems

• Improve access to public records and services

• Provide consistent, respectful customer service

• Invest in staff training and development

I’m committed to bringing a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a service-first mindset to the County Clerk’s Office.

Duties of County Clerk

• Maintaining & preserving official county records, including real property records, deeds, liens, plats, and marriage licenses.

• Overseeing vital records, such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and assumed business names (DBAs).

• Serving as the clerk for the County Courts, including managing court files, processing legal documents, and maintaining court dockets for civil, probate, and misdemeanor cases.

• Issuing a variety of licenses and filings, including marriage licenses, DBA filings, brand registrations, and more.

• Managing public access to records, ensuring documents are available, searchable, and accessible to residents while protecting confidential information.

• Maintaining the integrity of the county’s historical archives, preserving essential legal and historical documents.

• Supporting county government transparency, including responding to public information requests in accordance with Texas law.

• Overseeing office operations, including staff management, budgeting, technology systems, and customer service standards to ensure efficient and respectful service to the public.

• Ensuring compliance with state law, procedural rules, and records retention schedules.

• Providing customer-focused service, assisting residents, legal professionals, businesses, and local agencies with accurate and timely documentation.

Priorities

Technology Modernization

• I will work to ensure the County Clerk’s Office continues to use reliable, up-to-date systems that improve efficiency, accuracy, and long-term record preservation.

Public Access & Transparency

• Residents should be able to easily access the records and services they need. I will prioritize clear communication and accessibility.

Customer Service

• Every interaction matters. I will ensure the office is welcoming, professional, and responsive to the needs of the public.

Investing in People

• Strong offices are built by strong teams. I support continued training, cross-training across divisions, and creating opportunities for future public servants, including partnerships with Texas State University.

Volunteerism

I am proud to stay actively involved in the Hays County community through service and leadership, including:

• Texas State University Alumni Association Board of Directors

• Scheib Mental Health Center Board of Directors

• San Marcos Police Department Chief’s Community Advisory Panel

• Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos

• Hays County Historical Commission

• Hays County Bar Association

• Hays County Crime Stoppers

Serving our community has always been a priority in my life, and it will continue to be as your County Clerk.