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Hood County district clerk urges higher starting pay for deputy clerks to stem turnover
Summary
District Clerk Melanie Graff told commissioners that three deputy clerks earn far less than regional averages and asked the court to raise starting salaries to improve retention and court operations.
Melanie Graff, Hood County district clerk, asked the commissioners court on June 17 to raise starting pay for deputy clerks, saying low wages are causing turnover and threatening court operations. "3 of my clerks currently earn just 36012¢ annually," Graff said in her presentation, and she contrasted that with the Texas average of $43,209 for deputy district clerks and neighboring counties where starting rates range from roughly $40,000 to $50,000.
Graff told the court that deputy clerks perform high-stakes work — "managing court filings, preparing and maintaining legal records, assisting the public" — and that losing trained clerks to better-paying counties burdens remaining staff and jeopardizes institutional knowledge. "This modest increase will show that Hood County values and supports its staff," she said, adding she was not seeking a raise for herself.
Commissioners and the judge acknowledged the concern, noting Hood County has historically been a training ground for neighboring counties that offer higher pay. No formal motion or vote occurred; commissioners asked staff to consider budget options during the capital and budget review process.
If the court approves a pay adjustment, staff will need to identify funding within the county budget cycle and present a proposed starting-salary figure and effective date to the court for action.
