El Paso County reviews FY27 HR proposals: 1.5% COLA, judicial supplement increase, hiring-waiting savings

At the June 18 Commissioner’s Court budget hearing, Human Resources staff outlined proposed FY27 compensation and staffing measures and presented workforce metrics that the court will weigh during budget adoption.

HR manager Verena Syquaza and colleagues reported a turnover rate of 11.49% in FY25 and walked the court through separation reasons, unemployment cost drivers and the effect of a 16‑week hiring waiting period the court adopted in 2025. HR said the waiting‑period policy has generated roughly $4.25 million in salary savings through March 31, 2026, while also processing vetted exemptions.

Key FY27 items: HR proposed a 1.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for county pay scales (excluding certain negotiated or judicial scales) and step increases, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $5.4 million. The presentation also addressed judicial pay changes required by Senate Bill 293 and a court‑directed plan to increase the county supplement for judges incrementally — staff presented an FY27 option to raise the county portion from $18,000 to $21,000 with a projected impact of about $302,332.

HR also noted tax‑deferred retirement contribution guidance: the Texas County & District Retirement System employer rate is forecast to decrease by 0.22% in 2027, producing estimated savings of roughly $789,500.

Commissioners discussed the balance between fiscal constraints and recruitment/retention pressures, asked for additional detail on positions transferred from ARPA to the general fund, and endorsed further review to finalize any pay or supplement changes as part of the FY27 process. No final appropriations were adopted during the hearing.

— Figures and proposals are from HR slides and county budget staff; formal budget adoption and any supplement changes will require separate, formal approval by the court.