Lubbock County Grievance Committee Reviews Salaries for Elected Officials

Lubbock County's grievance committee convened on August 21, 2025, to address salary grievances filed by elected officials for the upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget. The meeting, led by County Judge, focused on the process by which the committee, composed of randomly selected citizens, would evaluate salary requests from officials, including Sheriff Kelly Roe and Justice of the Peace Susan Rowley.

During the session, the committee was informed that the Texas local government code outlines the procedures for salary adjustments. The elected officials were given 15 minutes each to present their cases for salary increases, followed by a question-and-answer period with the committee members. The committee's role is strictly advisory; they can only recommend salary adjustments based on the presentations.

The voting process was clearly defined: if six or more members support a salary increase, the recommendation will be forwarded to the Commissioner's Court for consideration at their upcoming meeting. A unanimous vote from all nine committee members would automatically include the salary increase in the budget for the next fiscal year, which begins on October 1.

This meeting underscores the importance of community involvement in local governance, as citizens play a crucial role in determining the compensation of elected officials. The outcomes of this grievance committee's recommendations could significantly impact the financial planning of Lubbock County as it prepares for the new budget cycle.