Commissioners Court approves publication of proposed elected-official pay and allowances, declines county supplement increase

The Commissioners Court voted unanimously Thursday to publish proposed salaries, expenses and allowances for elected county and precinct officers and to withhold a county-funded supplement increase that would have raised the county contribution from $18,000 to $25,000.

The vote, made during the courtsession on agenda item No. 9, authorizes publication of the proposed increases and amended allowances in the county paper as required by statute. The motion was made by Commissioner Weddell and seconded by Commissioner Matthews; the presiding County Judge announced, "Motion carries."

Why it matters: The discussion reflected a split between accepting state-directed pay increases for judges and other elected officials and concern about internal equity for county employees and the appearance of giving select raises when general employees may not receive increases. The court also clarified which increases must be publicly noticed under state law and debated whether travel and related allowances should be listed as part of an elected officials allowances.

Most important facts

County staff presented state-directed supplement increases that, as described in the meeting, included an increase to the…