HOUSTON – Harris County leaders have finalized funding to raise salaries for deputies and constables, bringing their pay in line with Houston Police Department officers.
This $8.3 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget increases pay for county law enforcement officers, invests heavily in flood maintenance, protects funding for community health, safeguards Precinct funding for roads, sidewalks, parks, and community centers, and minimizes cuts to core services.
Commissioners Adrian Garcia and Lesley Briones, along with Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, law enforcement leadership and the Harris County Deputies’ Organization, announced the agreement at a press conference.
The pay disparity increase, now officially approved in the county budget, addresses longstanding concerns that deputies and constables were earning significantly less than comparable officers in Houston.
“Our Harris County budget is more than a financial document; it reflects our values. During months of deep engagement through numerous town halls, hundreds of survey responses, and frequent communication with constituents, the community told us what mattered most: public safety, public health, infrastructure, and disaster readiness,” Commissioner Briones said. “I am proud that we have delivered on these priorities.”
County leaders said the adjustments will help retain experienced personnel, prevent turnover, and reduce staffing shortages that have strained law enforcement agencies in recent years.
“This is about making sure our deputies are compensated fairly and competitively,” Garcia said. “It strengthens public safety by ensuring we have the officers we need to serve Harris County residents.”
With the salary changes in place, officials said Harris County is now positioned to keep its law enforcement agencies fully staffed while maintaining essential public services.
Garcia released the following statement:
“I’m glad to share that after months of discussion and public input, Harris County has finalized a bipartisan budget that keeps critical services in place and delivers pay parity for our deputies in line with the Houston Police Department. This step ensures we can retain and recruit the best officers to keep our communities safe.
“At the same time, we have kept and even expanded some programs that residents support such as HART, flood mitigation, and infrastructure. This budget reflects what the people of Harris County asked for: safety, stability, and services that work. Through a working group and many hours of collaboration, we were able to strengthen support for our deputies while adopting a responsible bipartisan budget.”