In a narrow 3-2 vote, Harris County Commissioners approved raising salaries for the county’s eight elected constables from about $178,000 to $293,000 a year. The raise, however, will only take effect if it is included in the county’s upcoming budget.
Opposition from Hidalgo and Ellis
Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Rodney Ellis voted against the measure, citing the county’s financial shortfall. Hidalgo said she supports law enforcement pay increases but noted there is no funding available for such a large jump.
Broader Push for Law Enforcement Raises
The pay hike follows Houston Police Department raises in May and a county decision to match HPD’s pay scale. A proposal from the Harris County Deputies’ Organization would increase starting deputy salaries from about $57,000 to $78,000, with higher ranks also receiving boosts.
Budget Challenges Ahead
The county faces a $209 million budget gap, according to its budget director, with the proposed law enforcement raises accounting for about $100 million of that total. Commissioners are expected to make final funding decisions at next month’s meeting before the new budget deadline in October.
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