Williamson County DA Sean Dick seeks salary supplement amid budget disputes

The Williamson County Salary Grievance Hearing held on August 15, 2025, focused on the compensation of District Attorney Sean Dick amid ongoing discussions about the value of his office and the implications of state and county salary structures. The hearing highlighted a contentious debate over whether the county should provide a salary supplement to Dick, who has served as DA since 2017 and has been credited with significant improvements in the office's integrity and effectiveness.

Supporters of Dick, including community members and colleagues, argued that his leadership has transformed the DA's office from a "laughing stock" to a respected entity, deserving of a salary that reflects his contributions. They emphasized that the refusal of the commissioner’s court to grant a comparable salary supplement undermines public safety priorities and could lead to a regression to past inefficiencies in the justice system.

Cindy Long, a member of the commissioner’s court, defended the county's position, explaining that Dick's base salary of $235,000 was not cut, but rather the county supplement was adjusted to align with state regulations. She noted that the county is limited in how much it can supplement state employees like Dick, and that the adjustments were made to maximize state funding while minimizing taxpayer burden.

Dick countered these claims, asserting that the county's actions reflect a lack of respect for his office and its work. He pointed out that while other elected officials have received substantial raises, his salary has remained stagnant. He argued for a salary increase that aligns with those of his peers in comparable counties, emphasizing the importance of valuing the DA's office in the community.

The hearing also touched on the complexities of salary structures for state and county employees, with discussions about the implications of the "clawback" provision, which affects how much counties can supplement state salaries without incurring reductions in state funding.

As the hearing concluded, the panel was tasked with deliberating on the matter, with Dick urging them to recognize the value of his office and the need for fair compensation. The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for the future of the DA's office and its ability to attract and retain talent in Williamson County.