Department: Commissioner, Precinct 1
Department Head/Elected Official: Rodney Ellis, Precinct One
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Supplemental RCA
Type of Request: Discussion Item
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Commissioner of Precinct 1 for discussion and possible action to address the continued negative impacts of inflation and pay inequities for lower-wage Harris County employees.
end
Background and Discussion:
In 2023, Harris County Commissioners Court approved a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all employees (7% for civilian employees and 4% for investigators/deputies who received 3% COLAs in the two years prior) in its adopted FY24 budget. Inflation continues to depress the actual purchasing power of employee income, which has a greater negative impact on low and middle-wage employees compared to those people with higher incomes.
This item requests a discussion on approaches to address the inequitable impacts of inflation on low- and middle-wage County employees. As of April 2024, 28% of Houston Metro households with incomes less than $75K found it "very difficult" to pay for usual household expenses in the prior week compared to 7% of households with incomes of $75K or higher.1 Despite the relative cooling of inflation, prices of necessities like food and housing continue to increase and comprise a larger portion of families' disposable income.2 3
Harris County, as stated in its newly adopted Strategic Planning Framework, aims to be a leading employer and partner that prioritizes equity and invests responsibly. By finding ways to increase wages for all employees, Harris County can invest in its greatest asset, its employees, and resultantly boost productivity and morale ...
Click here for full text