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Commissioners propose FY2026 salary increases, set publication for budget calendar
Summary
The court voted to publish proposed FY2026 salary and allowance increases for elected and precinct officials, including a 3% COLA across positions, mandated judicial increases and an additional sheriff base adjustment; commissioners also directed equalizing one commissioner allowance for publication.
Ellis County Commissioners on July 22 voted to propose and publish a set of fiscal‑year 2026 salary and allowance changes for elected and precinct officials as required by Local Government Code Section 152.013. The publication step sets a “not to exceed” ceiling for later budget action and triggers the statutory notice and request‑for‑hearing process.
What was proposed: County staff asked the court to propose a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) to elected officials’ salaries and related 3% increases across county positions, reflect statutorily mandated increases for certain judges following recent legislation, add a $7,000 increase to the juvenile board supplement and include a base salary adjustment for the sheriff that county staff described as an 11.3% base adjustment plus the 3% COLA (presented as the next step in a multi‑year alignment effort for sworn staff). The staff presentation also proposed giving up the county vehicle for the County Judge in favor of a $10,000 auto allowance.
Commissioners discussed parity among precincts and asked that Commissioner Precinct 3 be set equal to the other commissioners’ proposed amounts; the court approved that adjustment to the published proposal. County staff emphasized that today’s action is to propose and publish the figures for public notice; the final salary-setting vote and public hearing will occur in subsequent sessions (the budget calendar posted on the county website identifies relevant dates; staff noted certified property values are expected July 25 and the public hearing and budget‑setting votes are scheduled in August under statutory timelines).
Vote and process: Commissioner Grayson moved to approve publication of the proposed increases, including equalizing Commissioner Precinct 3 to match other precincts; Commissioner Butler seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Staff explained that once the proposed figures are published, elected officials may request a hearing under statutory procedures with specific deadlines for filing an aggrievement request.
Why it matters: The publication starts the legally required notice period for salary and allowance changes; the proposals include a combination of statutory mandates (trial court judge increases), a recommended COLA and targeted adjustments to align the sheriff’s pay scale and juvenile supplement.
