The Harris County Salary Grievance Committee convened on September 16, 2025, to address a significant salary increase request from District Clerk Marilyn Burgess. The meeting, facilitated by interim county administrator Jesse Dickerman, focused solely on Burgess's grievance, as she is the only elected official to submit a request for consideration.

Burgess currently earns $179,420.80 and is seeking a substantial increase to $295,000. This request was the sole item on the agenda, highlighting the importance of the committee's role in reviewing salary grievances filed by elected county officials. The committee, which requires a quorum of five members to proceed, is bound by state law to follow specific procedures during the hearing.

After adopting rules governing the meeting, the committee allowed Burgess five minutes to present her case, followed by a response from the county's representative, Daniel Ramos. The committee members will then have the opportunity to ask questions before public comments are accepted. Following the discussion, a vote will determine whether to recommend the salary increase to the Harris County Commissioner's Court.

The outcome of this meeting could have significant implications for the county's budget and the salaries of elected officials. If the committee votes in favor of the increase, it will be forwarded as a recommendation; a unanimous vote would automatically include the increase in the budget. The committee's decision is expected to reflect the ongoing discussions about compensation for public officials in Harris County.