Williamson County Officials Review Elected Salaries and Law Enforcement Pay Structures

Williamson County officials are set to review salary adjustments for elected officials, including constables, following a detailed salary grievance hearing held on August 15, 2025. The meeting highlighted the complexities of the county's salary structure and the need for competitive compensation to attract and retain law enforcement personnel.

During the hearing, officials discussed a new three-year salary study aimed at addressing disparities among various county offices. This approach, which narrows the timeline from a previous six-year plan, is designed to streamline the process of salary adjustments. However, it was noted that some offices may experience staggered salary reviews, leading to potential disparities in pay among staff within the same department.

A significant focus was placed on the challenges of recruiting and retaining law enforcement officers. To combat these issues, the county has opted to benchmark salaries against five larger cities in the area—Hutto, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and Leander. This strategy aims to ensure that Williamson County remains competitive in attracting qualified candidates.

The salary structure for law enforcement includes an automatic annual increase, with starting salaries for deputies set at $72,000, potentially rising to $103,000 over time. However, many current officers are nearing the maximum salary step, which could limit future increases and contribute to disparities in pay compared to their subordinates.

Constables expressed concerns during the hearing about their compensation relative to their staff, noting that many of their subordinates earn higher salaries. The county clarified that elected officials' salaries are set independently and do not follow the same tenure-based increases as their staff. This distinction has led to frustrations among constables, who feel their roles and responsibilities warrant higher pay.

The hearing also addressed the benefits afforded to constables, including unlimited paid sick and vacation time, flexible scheduling, and the provision of take-home vehicles, which are estimated to add significant value to their overall compensation.

As the county moves forward with salary reviews, officials emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair and competitive compensation structure for all elected officials. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential adjustments to ensure that salaries reflect the responsibilities and risks associated with these critical roles in the community.