First responder pay step plans
Summary
The county wants to use state SB 22 public safety money to give every licensed deputy a $6,500 raise, pushing starting pay from about $61,500 to $68,000. It's aimed at recruiting and retaining deputies, but commissioners are wrestling with how to keep the raise funded in future budgets rather than relying on the state supplement each year.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 22, 2026.
Impact analysis
About $335,000 in raises plus an estimated $60,000 in added overtime costs, all covered by existing state SB 22 funds.
Sheriff's office deputies and their families, plus county residents who benefit from better deputy retention and staffing.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Commissioners Court — Regular Meeting — 2026-09-22
New FY2027 step plans give deputies, jailers, EMS crews and 911 dispatchers clear, predictable pay progression based on rank, certifications and tenure instead of variable incentive pay. The county is investing about $1.17 million, aiming to fix recruitment and retention problems that started after COVID.
Commissioners Court — Regular Meeting — 2026-09-15
Pay step plans for the Sheriff's Office, Jail, EMS and 911, plus the county's retirement plan agreement, were pushed to the next meeting because HR Director Amber Skalka couldn't attend.
Commissioners Court — Workshop — 2026-03-24
The county wants to use state SB 22 public safety money to give every licensed deputy a $6,500 raise, pushing starting pay from about $61,500 to $68,000. It's aimed at recruiting and retaining deputies, but commissioners are wrestling with how to keep the raise funded in future budgets rather than relying on the state supplement each year.
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