Fulshear council directs formation of 5-year police salary and staffing committee

The Fulshear City Council on Oct. 7 directed staff to form a committee to produce a five-year plan for police salaries, staffing and associated budget impacts, with a goal of presenting recommendations to the council in January 2026.

City staff proposed a nine-member committee that would include police staff, finance and HR representation, council members and resident volunteers from the community or business community. During the meeting council members discussed enlarging the group to 11 to include a Police Foundation representative and additional resident voices; the council settled on a structure that includes three council members, two police representatives (one designated by the chief), one finance staff member, one HR staff member, one business/EDC representative and at least one resident volunteer. The council asked staff to solicit applications from residents and EDC members and to return with final appointments.

Council members and the chief emphasized that the committee should produce a data-driven plan, consider retention and non-monetary benefits as well as pay, and propose funding options. The timeline circulated at the meeting calls for multiple committee meetings in November and December and a final presentation to council in January so recommendations can inform the 2026 budget process and any potential ballot timing.

Councilmembers Miller, Kanopy and another member volunteered to serve; staff was directed to finalize membership, to advertise the resident volunteer slot, and for the chief and finance staff to serve as staff leads. No formal vote was required; the direction was provided by consensus.