COMMISSIONERS COURT
DA gets an increase, constables denied
GEORGETOWN — Williamson County commissioners approved a pay increase for the district attorney but denied raises for three constables after a salary grievance hearing.
During Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners voted on a $70,000 annual supplemental increase to District Attorney Shawn Dick’s salary, but after much discussion postponed raises for Williamson County constables until next year.
“Elected officials’ salaries will be taken up next budget season,” said Williamson County Judge Steven Snell.
Constables Paul Leal of Precinct 4, Kevin Wilkie of Precinct 3 and Jeff Anderson of Precinct 2 filed a salary grievance against the county despite already receiving a 2% raise.
All three constables said their deputies made more money than they did.
According to a letter Leal filed with commissioners on Aug. 11, sergeants, lieutenants and chief deputies under the constables’ supervision received higher salaries due to recent pay increases.
“It is also my understanding that the constables and sheriff are the only elected officials in Williamson County that have employees that make more than the elected official. If this is true, it is unfair and unjust and needs corrective action,” Leal said in his letter.
Dick, who is considered both a state and a county employee, filed a salary grievance because the financial supplement he receives from the county was cut in half.
“This is one of those spots where we can’t seem to win,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles.
Commissioners initially trimmed Dick’s salary because they wanted the state to fund the maximum amount of the district attorney’s compensation before the county added the supplemental portion.
“We were paying more of the state’s portion (of Dick’s salary) last year,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said.
Another reason for the supplement cut, according to Boles, “is at some point we give supplements and it starts working against the state’s salary,” he said.
A salary grievance hearing was held Friday, Aug. 15, with a ninemember committee including Williamson County residents and Snell as acting chairman.
At the end of the two-and-a-half-hour hearing, the committee recommended salary increases for the district attorney and the constables, but the recommendations still had to go before the commissioners Aug. 19 for an approval or a denial.
While the commissioners indicated they want to support the constables, they also said they need to be fiscally responsible with the county’s money.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long added the county plans to conduct a salary study next year that will include all county elected officials.
Long also was concerned providing raises for the constables now might have other unforeseen ramifications.
“I think (next year) is the appropriate time to look at this … When we’ve had the chance to review I suspect that when we look at the market there will be adjustments next year, but I think we need to look at it in the entire context,” Long said.
With the county’s supplement, Dick’s salary increased to $245,000. The constables currently make around $100,000.
Commissioners meet 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at 710 S. Main St.
Sessions also can be viewed online at wilcotx. gov/331/Commissioners-Court.
“
Elected officials’ salaries will be taken up next budget season.”
— Williamson County Judge Steven Snell
