Primary Department: District Courts
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Richard Woods
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Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Financial Authorization
Project ID (if applicable):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable):
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable):
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Choose an item.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for approval to increase the annual salaries of six (6) Criminal Division Associate Judges from $152,651 to $180,000.
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Background and Discussion:
Historically, the salary of a District Courts Associate Judge is set at 90% of a District Judge with 0 to 4 years of service. The District Courts submitted a fiscal year 2026 (FY26) service enhancement request to change the funding source of the 6 Criminal Division Associate Judges from the ARPA grant to the general fund. This request would adjust their annual salaries from $152,651 to $180,000, which is 90% of the $200,000 salary for District Judges with 0 to 4 years of service that goes into effect on September 1, 2025. To ensure the Associate Judges salaries do not exceed more than 90% of a District Judge's salary, they should be exempt from future cost of living increases to County employees.
Expected Impact:
Increasing the salaries of the 6 Associate Judges ensures there is salary parity across all divisions.
Alternative Options:
Commissioners Court could decide to approve a lower salary increase, or not approve an increase.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 1. Make Harris County safer and more just.
County Strategic Plan Objective: N/A
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/...
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