Legislation Details

File #: 25-4995    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Transmittal Status: Accepted
File created: 8/4/2025 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 8/14/2025 Final action: 8/14/2025
Title: Transmittal by the Office of County Administration of procedures for exceptions from the Harris County Employee Minimum Wage Policy.
Attachments: 1. 25-4995 OCA-Process for Minimum Wage Exceptions.pdf
Primary Department: County Administration
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Jesse Dickerman, Interim County Administrator

Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: N/A

Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA

Type of Request: Transmittal

Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A

MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request

Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item

Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Transmittal by the Office of County Administration of procedures for exceptions from the Harris County Employee Minimum Wage Policy.
end

Background and Discussion:
Adopted on March 27, 2025, the Employee Minimum Wage Policy sets a new wage floor of $20/hour for all employees paid directly by Harris County-including full-time, part-time, and temporary staff, regardless of funding source. Future adjustments shall be recommended by the Office of Management and Budget and informed by the MIT Living Wage Calculator.

On June 12, 2025, the Harris County Commissioners Court adopted amendments to the County's Employee Minimum Wage Policy to allow for employees to request an exception from the policy. These exception requests are limited to specific circumstances where higher wages could impact participation in a program with income-based eligibility. Exceptions requested will be reviewed and approved by the department head or designee, Human Resources & Talent (HRT), and the County Attorney's Office (CAO). If a disapproval occurs at any point, the process ends, and the decision is final. Subsequent requests for changes or removal of the cap will follow the same process.


Expected Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this transmittal. Establishing the procedu...

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