Williamson County commissioners have approved raising the pay of all law enforcement officers by 5%. The raises will cost the county $2.1 million during fiscal year 2023, which starts Oct. 1.
Most county law enforcement officers work in the sheriff’s office as deputies and correctional officers. They also work in constables’ offices, the district attorney’s office and the county attorney’s office.
With the raise, beginning correctional officers will be paid around $44,260 annually. A beginning sheriff's deputy will be paid about $61,129 per year with the raise.
A starting corrections officer in Hays County makes $42,352 annually and the same position in Travis County is paid $46,839, according to county websites. A beginning sheriff's deputy in Travis County is paid $55,215.
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell proposed the raise.
"Since I have been in office, we made a strong commitment to support law enforcement," Gravell said in a statement. "We have provided the proper tools and resources, and now, the best compensation in the region when you include benefits and retirement."
The judge said the county currently has 76 vacancies in the corrections department.
However, Sheriff Mike Gleason said the raises proposed by Gravell aren't enough because they are based on the current salaries in other places and not the raises that other governmental entities will probably be planning to give this year.
"With his current recommendation, we will remain at the bottom of the pay...
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