Commissioners weigh 3%–5% staff raises as health insurance, postage and other costs rise

Van Zandt County commissioners reviewed potential countywide salary increases and related budget impacts as staff identified known cost increases for fiscal 2026.

Staff presented three illustrative salary scenarios: a 3% across-the-board increase (estimated additional cost about $371,229), a 4% increase (about $493,778) and a 5% increase (about $616,347). The presenter cautioned these figures exclude requests for additional positions and certain grant-funded pay elements tied to SB 22 grant funds for the sheriff and jail.

Officials also flagged several cost drivers staff can project now: a 5.7% increase in health insurance representing roughly $120,000; a U.S. Postal Service increase effective July 13 that will raise first-class stamps from 73 cents to 78 cents and postcards from 56 cents to 62 cents; and an expected rise in property and auto insurance tied to the county radio system and a recent vehicle fleet expansion.

The Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS) contribution and a proposed longevity or retirement-match adjustment were discussed at length. One presenter said a prior proposal to raise longevity pay (from $1.75 to $2.00 — shorthand from prior cycle) had been estimated at roughly $250,000 and that commissioners will need to identify offsets if they approve higher salaries or retirement matches.

County staff and commissioners discussed trade-offs and noted that final salary decisions depend on certified revenue estimates after appraisal-roll certification. No formal salary decision was made at the workshop; commissioners directed staff to continue refining cost estimates and bring detailed options to upcoming workshops and the July and August meetings where salaries and proposed rates will be considered.

No formal motions or votes occurred during the session.