Constable James Springer keeps current pay; committee notes procedural concerns

James Springer, Constable for Precinct 1, told the committee he is not seeking the 3% COLA and that his grievance centers on other elected officials speaking for his department.

"I'm okay if other elected people will want to come up and say we'll forego our 3% and give it to other people," Springer said, but he objected to others interjecting into his budget request. After discussion, committee member Matthew Schulke moved to keep Springer’s salary at the current total ($92,008.55). The motion passed unanimously, 8–0; the committee will forward its recommended action to Commissioners Court.

Committee members noted they lacked the authority in this forum to restrict what other elected officials say at Commissioners Court; the judge explained the county’s structure gives each elected official autonomy and that remedy would require action by Commissioners Court itself.