Rockwall County Court Discusses Staffing and Pay Adjustments for Clerk Positions

The Rockwall County Commissioners Court held a special meeting on August 27, 2025, primarily focused on staffing and pay scales for the district clerk's office. The meeting began with discussions on the current staffing levels, revealing that the district clerk had requested four additional positions, but only three had been added, leaving the office still understaffed.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the increasing workload as three courts begin operating simultaneously, which is expected to accelerate the demands on the district clerk's office. The conversation shifted to the need for a comprehensive review of clerk pay, with some commissioners advocating for immediate adjustments to address recruitment and retention challenges.

A proposal was made to raise the starting pay for clerks from approximately $33,000 to around $38,500, which would require an estimated budget impact of $118,000. However, other commissioners suggested a more moderate increase, advocating for a 5.7% adjustment that would raise starting pay to about $35,000, aligning it with the 90th percentile among peer counties.

The discussion highlighted the importance of competitive pay in attracting and retaining qualified staff, particularly in light of recent turnover attributed to inadequate compensation. Commissioners acknowledged the need for a balanced approach that considers both immediate pay adjustments and long-term strategies for salary scales.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that while there was consensus on the necessity of addressing clerk pay, opinions varied on the extent of the increases and the timing of such adjustments. The court agreed to further evaluate the proposed pay scales and their implications for the upcoming budget cycle.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgency of addressing staffing and compensation issues within the district clerk's office, with plans for continued discussions and potential adjustments to be made in the near future.