Galveston County court debates 2% pay adjustment for elected officials and schedule changes tied to redistricting

Diana Huerta of the budget office opened a budget workshop focused on two items: a proposed pay adjustment and changes to the elected-official schedule tied to redistricting. Huerta presented fiscal-impact worksheets showing a 2% pay adjustment option for fiscal year 2027.

Court members debated alternatives: one commissioner said a flat 3% merit increase might be preferable; another said a 2% pay adjustment with a 1% merit split could balance priorities. "My preference on, merit and pay adjustments is that we do a flat 3% merit," one commissioner said earlier in discussion, while another later stated, "I'm in favor of the 2% pay adjustment," noting a desire to avoid falling behind market benchmarks.

Commissioners also reviewed elected-official schedule changes caused by redistricting (precinct 3/4 swaps affecting justices of the peace and constables) and discussed aligning auto allowances and county vehicle policies. The court gave direction to budget and HR staff to prepare worksheets that show the fiscal impacts of 1% and 2% pay-adjustment scenarios and to advertise the elected-official salaries as required by state statute.

No final vote was taken; staff were asked to return with updated analyses at the next workshop or meeting.