CONSTABLE DEPUTIES WERE MAKING MORE THAN THEIR BOSSES

Texas county constables win 17.5% raise with $45K pay increase

A committee of Harris County residents awarded the raise after the constables argued that they were earning less than some of their subordinates

 

By Joanna Putman

Police1

Aug 27, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Harris County constables are set to receive a 17.5% pay increase after a committee of residents voted in favor of the raise, KTRK reported.

The Aug. 20 decision came after all eight elected constables filed a grievance with the commissioners court regarding their current salaries, according to the report.

The committee, composed of randomly selected residents, heard the constables’ arguments and awarded each a $45,000 increase, raising their base salary from approximately $133,000 to more than $178,000, according to the Office of County Administration.

Earlier this month, the commissioners court had approved a 9.2% pay increase for elected officials, including the constables and the sheriff, as part of the proposed budget for the next fiscal year, according to the report. However, the constables argued that this raise was insufficient, pointing out that they were earning less than some of their subordinates.

Pct. 1 Constable Alan Rosen emphasized that the issue was not just about salary figures but also about recognizing the importance of leadership roles in public safety.

“There is no other county in Texas where a law enforcement leader makes less than their subordinates,” Rosen said.

This pay adjustment is notable as most Harris County elected officials had not received a salary increase since 2016, according to the report.