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Liberty County approves higher longevity pay; court amends timing to take effect November 2024
Summary
After debate about retroactivity and payroll timing, commissioners chose Option B (higher longevity pay) and amended the motion so the increase will be reflected beginning with the November 2024 payroll; the court cited an attorney general opinion on longevity pay.
The Liberty County Commissioners Court voted to increase longevity pay for eligible county employees and amended the motion during the meeting so that the increase will take effect with the November 2024 payroll.
County Treasurer Kim presented two options: Option A, a $20 per year-of-service increase (estimated to raise costs by about $47,440), and Option B, a $25 per year-of-service increase (estimated to raise costs by about $59,300). After discussion about budgeting and payroll timing, Commissioner Leon moved to adopt Option B. Commissioners initially discussed whether the payment could be treated as retroactive; county counsel reviewed an attorney general opinion stating that longevity pay recognizes current services and is not retroactive pay.
Following counsel’s review, the court amended the motion so Option B would be paid in the November payroll of 2024 rather than being budgeted for a later year, and the court approved the amended motion by voice vote.
Treasurer Kim said the county has previously paid longevity when employees leave and clarified that the November payroll mechanics would be used for the group payment. The court did not provide a detailed list of employee-by-employee cost impacts during the meeting; commissioners instructed staff to implement the change consistent with payroll procedures and applicable legal guidance.
