Harris County Approves $140M Law Enforcement Pay Parity

Harris County Commissioners Court approved a $140 million pay parity measure for all county law enforcement agencies, with the raises set to take effect on October 1, 2025. The measure follows strong advocacy from the eight elected constables and union leaders who highlighted pay disparities after Houston Police Department (HPD) officers secured a 36–38% salary increase over five years. The raises aim to bring Harris County deputies' salaries closer to HPD's, where first-year officers will soon earn a base pay of $75,000 compared to about $57,000 for deputies. The vote passed 3-2, with Commissioners Ramsey, Briones, and Garcia in favor, and Judge Hidalgo and Commissioner Ellis opposed. The $140 million cost for the first year will be funded by reallocating county spending rather than increasing taxes. County officials emphasized the urgent need for the increases to prevent a staffing crisis and maintain public safety.