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Commissioners freeze position moves while Gallagher pay‑equity work is re‑validated after sharp criticism
Summary
Following department concerns about classification errors in a Gallagher pay‑equity report, the court approved a temporary targeted hold on position movements (Jan. 10–Feb. 21) and ordered HRT and the consultant to run detailed PDQ reviews, allow departmental appeals, and return with updates. Multiple commissioners said the consultant's work contained clear misclassifications.
Harris County’s effort to implement a long‑planned pay‑equity study moved into an intensive, corrective phase after commissioners called the contractor’s initial deliverable “flawed.” On Dec. 11 the court unanimously approved a targeted temporary freeze on position movements to allow Human Resources & Talent (HRT) and Gallagher to validate and reconcile classifications and compensation data.
Commissioner Adrian Garcia read the motion directing a temporary hold effective Jan. 10 through Feb. 21, 2026 while HRT and Gallagher conduct detailed walkthroughs, provide documentation of PDQ (position description questionnaire) analysis, and allow departments to submit written challenges. Commissioner Briones and others added motions requiring a 10‑day appeal window, mandatory department‑signed PDQs for challenges and a formal update back to court on Jan. 29. Commissioner Jack Ramsey and others said the consultant’s work misclassified routine county roles (examples cited included mechanics listed as accountants and missing road & bridge positions) and urged Gallagher to take responsibility.
Amanda Porter, HRT’s director of compensation, acknowledged problems in the PDQ process and said the validation phase has been more exhaustive than anticipated; she recommended the Jan. 10–Feb. 21 hold while allowing limited exceptions reviewed by HRT. Commissioners also moved to pause any contract amendment for Gallagher until the firm demonstrates it has delivered the contracted work; nevertheless the court approved a no‑cost amendment to extend Gallagher’s scope to support the validation work while stressing accountability.
Court next steps: HRT and Gallagher will hold department meetings, produce detailed PDQ analyses, and return with a progress update and final recommendations in January and February; commissioners signaled scrutiny of any future contract renewal for the consultant.
