Salary grievance panel splits then backs compromise raise for county clerk Teresa Keel

Teresa Keel, Guadalupe County clerk, asked the inaugural Salary Grievance Committee for a $10,000 salary increase and a $3,000 auto allowance, citing the office’s statutory records responsibilities and inequities she said exist across elected officials’ compensation.

An initial motion to deny Keel’s request produced a 4–4 split. Committee member Benita Bingham later proposed a compromise that would raise the county clerk’s total compensation to $106,450; the motion passed 7–1 with Matthew Schulke recording the lone opposition. Keel said she was grateful and emphasized her goal of pay equity: “If others are getting 3%, it should be equivalent,” she said.

Committee members questioned how the auto allowance amount was chosen, whether mileage history supported a stipend, and whether temporary election duties should factor into permanent pay. County staff explained the judge selects auto allowances historically and noted the county’s unusual budget constraints driven by large appraisal exemptions that reduced revenue. The committee will sign and transmit a written recommendation to Commissioners Court for final action.