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Commissioners approve list of new positions and 4% cost‑of‑living increase for county employees
Summary
After a workshop, the court approved multiple new or reclassified positions for fiscal 2026 (with two deputy bailiffs removed and one previously approved EMC social‑media position excluded from the list) and set a 4% cost‑of‑living adjustment for rank‑and‑file staff; elected officials were not included in the COLA.
San Patricio County Commissioners voted to approve a list of new and reclassified positions for the 2026 fiscal year and approved a 4% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for county employees, excluding elected officials.
During a lengthy budget workshop commissioners reviewed position requests across departments, including: a part‑time court coordinator in the county judge’s office; a benefits/HR restructuring to add a benefits administrator; two grants office coordinators (previously funded by grants) and discussion of moving funding to the general fund; election coordinator moving from part‑time to full‑time; custodial and maintenance positions tied to the new Justice Center; animal control kennel/technician positions tied to the new animal shelter; and fairgrounds maintenance assistance. The sheriff requested five bailiff positions to staff the new judicial building; the court agreed to approve fewer immediately and removed two deputy bailiffs from the approved list.
The court voted to approve the new‑position list as amended (deleting two deputy bailiffs and removing the previously approved EMC social‑media specialist from the list for 2026), and to authorize county staff to include the approved positions in the proposed budget filing.
On a separate motion the court set a 4% COLA for county employees; elected officials were not included. The motion passed 4–1. Commissioners discussed implementation timing, funding contingencies and the need to monitor grant‑funded positions that may require future general‑fund coverage when grant money expires.
County Auditor Patrick Kiesnick confirmed contingency funds and budgeted amounts to cover half‑year costs for some positions and recommended continued review as the budget process proceeds.
