Tensions flared during this week’s Harris County Commissioners Court meeting as deputies called for urgent pay raises, warning that staffing shortages and a growing pay gap with other agencies are putting public safety at risk.
Jose Lopez, president of the Harris County Deputies’ Organization, directly addressed commissioners, saying deputies in the sheriff’s office and constable’s offices remain 20% behind Houston Police Department salaries. He pointed out HPD officers recently secured a 36.5% raise over five years, leaving county law enforcement struggling to keep up.
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“We’re losing deputies and a crisis is inevitable,” Lopez told the court. “Mayor Whitmire kept his promise to make public safety a top priority. The question is, will you?”
Lopez emphasized that while commissioners often say they support law enforcement, that support hasn’t translated into raises. He urged leaders to match HPD pay rates to retain experienced officers and stop the department from becoming a “training ground” for other agencies.
County Judge Lina Hidalgo responded with a lengthy explanation of the county’s financial constraints, citing past legislative limits on property tax revenue growth and missed opportunities to raise additional funds. Hidalgo said she had previously pushed to collect more revenue to fund raises but did not have enough support from other court members.
“Everyone wants to give raises, but when it’s time to ask voters for the money, people disappear,” Hidalgo said. “It takes spine to make those tough choices.”
Multiple deputies who spoke during the meeting described burnout, dangerous staffing levels, and working extra jobs to make ends meet on salaries starting around $56,000. One deputy said some recruits quit days after graduation to join higher-paying agencies.
Hidalgo acknowledged the problem but reiterated the county’s budget limitations. She noted a 2022 attempt to raise revenue for raises failed when two court members boycotted a vote, costing the county an opportunity to adjust tax rates under an emergency exception.
This led to a tense exchange between Hidalgo and Commissioner Tom Ramsey over the proposed deputy pay raise. Hidalgo questioned whether the conversation should continue, which led to Ramsey speaking out against misleading statements.
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At the Harris County Commissioners Court, a tense exchange occurred between County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Tom Ramsey over a proposed deputy pay raise.
The disagreement began when Hidalgo asked, “So we are allowed to have this conversation or we should stop it?” Ramsey responded, “There’s been a lot said that I’m not going to sit here and let these good people walk out thinking that what’s just been said is accurate and true, so we’re going to continue this conversation.”
Ramsey continued, “Would you not interrupt me please because I didn’t interrupt you when you were making some outlandish statements.”
He also spoke about focusing on statutory responsibilities and the $141 million figure in the budget.
“Some people honestly called and said, ‘Gosh, it’s terrible. Mayor Whitmire has given law enforcement an increase.’ I’m sitting here saying, ‘Praise the Lord. I’m happy he did it.’”
Hidalgo also referenced past budget issues citing headlines, saying, “Harris County Commissioners, Cagle and Ramsey boycott 2023 budget vote,” and criticized the delay caused by Ramsey and others, adding, “We rescheduled the meeting like four or five times; they never showed up.”