New 2024-25 salary increases totaling $74,521, for elected officials were approved at the July 11 Commissioner’s Court regular meeting.
The new changes include salaries, benefits and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA).
County Justices of the Peace (JPs) from each precinct previously requested an increase from their current annual salary of $41,883 to $50,000.
Commissioner Jack Moseley motioned to increase the JP’s salary to 8% plus an additional $3,000, bringing the proposed salary to $48,234.
The motion was not seconded, causing the motion to fail.
Commissioner Jody Rutherford motioned to increase the JP’s salary as proposed at their last meeting, 8% to $45,234, which passed with a vote of 3-1 with Moseley dissenting.
One of the JP’s, all of whom were sitting together in court, exclaimed, “I think we just got screwed.”
Each County Constable for Precincts 1 through 4 were approved for a 10.3% increase, including COLA.
County Clerks, Treasurer, Tax Assessor/Collector, and Justices of the Peace (JP) were approved for a 8% increase, including COLA.
The County Judge, Commissioners, Attorney and Sheriff were approved for a 3% COLA.
According to Judge Richard Evans, the salaries will eventually be given open discussion for a public hearing, after which the salaries will be adopted at the court’s next official meeting.
