Primary Department: Juvenile Probation
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Henry Gonzales, Executive Director
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Position
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Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
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Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for approval to pay department employees a retention incentive using the 530 Detention Officer Incentive code and funds received from Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
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Background and Discussion:
HCJPD is requesting the Commissioners Court to allow the department to pay employees a retention incentive using the “530 Detention Officer Incentive” code and funds given to the department by TJJD pursuant to the attached policy. For this year, we would like to pay the Retention Incentive the way we have it under eligibility.
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HARRIS COUNTY JUVENILE PROBATION Department Wide |
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Date: 09/2/2026 |
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Section: Personnel Policies |
Title: Retention Incentive Pay |
POLICY
1.01 Objective
This policy is to establish discretionary yearly Retention Incentive Pay to retain and maintain qualified staff for the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (“HCJPD”).
1.02 Definition
Retention Incentive Pay is compensation awarded at HCJPD’s discretion based on qualifying criteria set by HCJPD each year. Retention Incentive Pay is not base pay and is not an entitlement. Retention Incentive Pay is considered a supplemental compensation payment subject to taxes and other applicable deductions (e.g., TCDRS).
1.03 Purpose
To encourage the continued employment of HCJPD staff, subject to the availability of funds and business needs.
1.04 Eligibility
Eligibility criteria will be determined annually by leadership and communicated to eligible employees prior to its start. Eligibility in one year does not guarantee eligibility in future years.
Management-level employees are not eligible to receive retention incentive pay under this policy. This exclusion applies regardless of department, tenure, or performance, and is intended to ensure that retention incentive funds are directed toward non-management staff and employees.
1.05 Funding
Funding for the Retention Incentive Pay will be drawn from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (“TJJD”) Grant, which has authorized HCJPD to use grant funding for this retention incentive. The amount of Retention Incentive pay to be awarded to eligible employees will be determined at HCJPD’s discretion, in accordance with TJJD guidelines, based on available funding.
1.06 Payment
Each year payment will be determined at HCJPD’s discretion, in accordance with TJJD guidelines, based on available funding. If funding allows, eligible employees will receive a one-time, lump sum payment after successfully completing any required eligibility criteria.
Retention Incentive Pay is contingent on Commissioners’ Court approval of this policy, available funding, and continued employment as set forth above.
Eligibility:
For calendar year 2026, Youth Development Officer’s (“YDO”) will be eligible for Retention Incentive Pay if they:
1. Are actively employed by HCJPD as a YDO as of October 1, 2026; and
2. Remain continuously employed as a YDO through the first pay period in January 2027; and
3. Work their regular, scheduled hours during this period and maintain satisfactory attendance. Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled and not engage in excessive or unapproved absenteeism during the eligibility period.
Payment:
For calendar year 2026, eligible YDO’s will receive a one-time, lump sum payment of $2,000.00 on the second pay period of the year in January 2027, subject to available funding.
Expected Impact: N/A
Alternative Options: N/A
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Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
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Anticipated Court Date: 9/17/2026
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): 10/3/2026
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Lina Garcia, HR Director, Priya Sharma, Payroll Manager, Juvenile Probation
Attachments (if applicable):