Williamson County DA Sean discusses salary parity and staffing issues in panel hearing

In a heated salary grievance hearing on August 15, 2025, Williamson County officials grappled with the compensation of the District Attorney (DA), Sean, who argued for a significant salary adjustment to reflect the growing demands of his office. Sean highlighted that while he has seen salary increases since taking office in 2018, the DA's pay has not kept pace with other county officials, leading to a disparity that he believes undermines the importance of the role.

Sean proposed a $75,000 supplement to his salary, which would raise his total compensation from $2.35 to approximately $2.50. He emphasized that the current compensation structure is complex, with certain thresholds affecting how salary increases are calculated. "It's not dollar for dollar," he explained, indicating that the county's approach to salary adjustments has not been equitable.

The DA expressed concern over the county's commitment to supporting his office, particularly in light of the addition of a new court and the need for more prosecutors. He pointed out that the DA's office has been historically underfunded and understaffed, despite the county's growth. "It's time to show that the criminal justice system is valued here," Sean asserted passionately, calling for a reevaluation of how the DA's position is compensated.

The panel ultimately voted on the matter, resulting in 8 votes in favor and 1 against, sending the proposal back to the commissioner's court for further consideration. This decision marks a critical step in addressing the compensation issues faced by the DA's office and reflects ongoing discussions about the value of public service roles in Williamson County.