Commissioners vote to give themselves raises

El Paso County Commissioners are in the process of deciding what will go into the budget for the next fiscal year.

One thing that will be in that budget: pay raises for themselves.

“It certainly was an uncomfortable vote,” said Commissioner Vince Perez. “It’s much easier to set salaries for employees who work in your organization.”

The raises for commissioners will increase their salary from more than $62,000 to almost $90,000.

For the county judge, the raise is from almost $90,000 to $102,000.

Pay raises will also be given to other elected officials, like constables, the county attorney, district county clerks, and so on

Perez said that for the longest times, commissioners put off voting on salaries for themselves because of fear on how constituents would react.

Earlier this year, the county hired a firm to evaluate the county, specifically at how competitive the salaries of elected officials are.

“We are the lowest paid in Texas, even along border counties,” said Perez. “It creates a bad situation for the organization.”

Perez warned that eventually, if salaries don’t rise for elected officials, it will get to a point that the only people who run for office are those who can afford to. “Someone shouldn’t have to sacrifice their career, or not have to option to pursue public service, because they can’t afford to.”

He brought up examples of elected officials in El Paso, including current mayor, Oscar Leeser. “He’s president and CEO of Hyundai, right? And he’s able to donate his salary.”

He went on to say, “Former representative Dee Margo is former CEO of his own insurance company. John Cook was retired and had a supplemental source of income. And do we want to limit public service to those individuals who have some source of supplemental income? That isn’t what public service is supposed to be.”

He said we need to encourage a broader group of people to run, not just those who are retired or is individually wealthy.

Perez said the rise in salary will also help attract more qualified individuals. He brought up that commissioners deal with a $350 million budget. They also oversee other institutions like the county hospital, are involved with the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Central Appraisal District.

Perez said given the level of responsibility that affects many aspects of the lives of El Pasoans, they felt the raise was in the best interest of the county.

Perez added that the raise is still 70 percent below the market value of the state.

The raise will take effect the start of the new fiscal year, October 1st.

He said he hopes the new salary will help attract candidates who couldn’t afford to run before.

“I think anybody who wants to and is willing to work hard should have that opportunity. Pay shouldn’t be an obstacle that prevents ordinary people, everyday El Pasoans from running for office,” said Perez.

“To run for public office, it was in that spirit that today’s vote was taken.”