Brazos County commissioners approve the fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget after voting against a $20,000 dollar law enforcement salary study.
County judge Duane Peters, who was part of the 4-1 vote, said the outside study was not needed. That’s after Brazos County compared favorably to Smith and Hays counties, the turnover rate for higher management positions in the sheriff’s office is not significant, and noting some detention officers pursing patrol positions with other agencies and the sheriff’s office.
Commissioner Russ Ford, who asked for the external salary study, said that would give him additional ammunition along with the internal study to make future decisions.
Sheriff Wayne Dicky also sought the outside study, saying his “experience in talking with other chiefs and sheriffs across the state and across the country is that there is a shortage of peace officers. That shortage of peace officers is creating a competitive market, and we’re not competitive.”
The majority also brought up the FY 22 budget included a three percent pay raise plus up to a one percent merit raise for Brazos County employees.
Click below for comments from the September 7, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting. Speakers include Duane Peters, Russ Ford, and Wayne Dicky.