County clerk urges countywide pay review, warns staff cuts if raises aren’t approved

The county clerk told Uvalde County commissioners during a budget workshop that staff in the clerk’s office are “underpaid, undervalued” and that it is time for an immediate, countywide review of compensation.

The clerk said the office currently uses a records‑management fund to supplement salaries but argued that fund was not intended for ongoing payroll. “That fund was meant to preserve and digitize records,” she said, adding, “I demand accountability. I demand fairness for my employees.” She asked the court to set a $45,000 minimum for deputy clerks and to raise the chief deputy and compliance officer toward $62,000.

The clerk described the complexity of county‑clerk work — probate filings, land records, court support, vital records and grant reporting — and said that experience and technical knowledge justify higher pay. She noted the office recently relied on stipends and one‑time payments that were later removed and said employees are struggling to make ends meet.

Commissioners asked for written, itemized requests and details on how the clerk arrived at the figures. One commissioner agreed the salary differences between offices look large and asked the clerk to provide a line‑by‑line wish list before the workshop ends so the court can consider adjustments.

The clerk also warned restoring true salary increases will be difficult later: “If you know you’re not going to be in this seat, let this be the one thing you’re remembered for,” she said, urging action now rather than waiting for the next administration.

Next steps: the clerk committed to delivering a written proposal with specific positions, years of experience and requested salary levels. Commissioners asked staff to review countywide pay structure options and to return recommended adjustments for consideration in the final budget.