Bexar County officials Approve salary Increases for 2026
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San Antonio, TX – In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the Bexar County Commissioners Court authorized salary increases for themselves and several other county elected officials, set to take effect October 1, 2026. The decision follows recommendations from a citizen advisory committee and reflects a structured approach to compensation for public service.
Understanding the Approved Raises
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai will see his annual salary rise from approximately $204,899 to $208,997. The four County Commissioners will each recieve a salary of $165,375, which includes a $9,000 annual car allowance. These adjustments come as the county navigates budgetary considerations and aims to align official compensation with regional economic factors.
larger percentage increases were approved for the bexar County Sheriff and Constables, positions the advisory committee determined were underpaid compared to similar roles in other Texas counties.Specifically, the Sheriff’s salary will increase by 7.11% to $193,320, while Constables will receive a 4.83% raise, bringing their salaries to $128,580.
| position | Proposed Increase | Current Salary | FY 2026 Proposed Salary |
| Bexar County Judge | 2% | $204,899 | $208,997 |
| Bexar County Commissioner | 2% | $162,225 (includes auto allowance) | $165,375 (includes auto allowance) |
| Sheriff | 7.11% | $180,481 | $193,320 |
| Constable | 4.83% | $122,660 | $128,580 |
The Role of the Citizens Advisory Committee
In 2023, Bexar County leaders established the Citizens Advisory Committee on Elected Officials’ Salaries and Allowance to provide independent recommendations on compensation. The committee,comprised of appointees from the Commissioners,convened four times this year to analyze salaries of comparable elected officials,wage trends,and private sector compensation data. Their final report recommended a 2% raise for most positions, mirroring proposed cost-of-living adjustments for county employees in the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget.
Did You know? Unlike City Council members in San Antonio, County commissioners have the authority to adjust their own salaries without voter approval, as outlined in the Texas Constitution and local goverment code.
Context and Comparison to City Council Salaries
The approved raises widen the gap between Bexar County Commissioners’ salaries and those of San Antonio city Council members. Currently, County Commissioners earn approximately $100,000 more annually than their city counterparts. In 2024, san Antonio City Council members saw their salaries increase from $45,700 to $70,200 following voter approval of Proposition C.
Commissioners’ Reactions and Future Considerations
While the vote was unanimous,Commissioners expressed varying perspectives. Commissioner Justin Rodriguez (Pct. 2) suggested decoupling elected official raises from employee cost-of-living adjustments, noting that most county staff earn significantly less. Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores (Pct. 1) emphasized the ongoing negotiation process for staff raises, hoping for increases beyond the 2% approved for elected officials.
Pro Tip: Understanding the interplay between county and city government compensation structures can provide valuable insight into local governance and budgetary priorities.
Commissioners Tommy Calvert (Pct. 4) and Grant Moody (Pct. 3) praised the advisory committee’s work as a positive step toward clarity and standardization. They highlighted how the committee’s recommendations addressed ancient disparities in salaries resulting from past decisions to forgo raises during challenging budget years.
The 2026 fiscal year budget does not anticipate important cuts, but a potential “budget cliff” looms in 2028 if funding for programs supported by federal pandemic aid is not addressed. The total cost to taxpayers for the elected official raises is estimated at approximately $100,000 annually, excluding state-mandated increases for judges.
“I hope the taxpayers understand that I’m not asking for this,” said Judge Sakai, emphasizing the procedural nature of the salary adjustments.”This is something that’s embedded in a process.”
What impact will these salary increases have on the county’s ability to address future budgetary challenges? And how will these changes affect the recruitment and retention of qualified individuals for elected positions?
The issue of public official compensation is a recurring theme in local governance across the United States.factors influencing these decisions include cost of living, economic conditions, the scope of responsibilities, and the need to attract qualified candidates. The trend towards independent salary review committees, like the one established in Bexar County, reflects a growing desire for transparency and objectivity in setting public official pay. According to a 2023 report by the National League of cities, approximately 60% of cities with populations over 50,000 utilize some form of independent compensation review process [National League of Cities Report].
Frequently Asked Questions About Bexar County official Salaries
- What is the primary keyword? The primary keyword is “Bexar County official salaries.”
- When do the new salaries take effect? The salary increases will take effect on October 1, 2026.
- Who approved the salary increases? The Bexar County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the increases.
- What role did the Citizens Advisory Committee play? The committee recommended the salary increases based on research and analysis of comparable positions.
- How do these salaries compare to San Antonio city Council members? Bexar County Commissioners earn significantly more than San Antonio City Council members.
- is there a potential budget issue in the future? A potential “budget cliff” is projected in 2028 if funding for pandemic-era programs is not addressed.
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