The San Patricio County Salary Grievance Committee convened on August 7, 2025, to discuss proposed salary increases for elected officials, particularly focusing on constables. The meeting highlighted a significant point of contention regarding cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for elected officials, which had previously been voted down by the Commissioner's Court.

During the session, committee members reviewed the budget, which currently includes a 4% salary increase across the board for county employees, but does not extend this increase to elected officials due to the earlier decision by the Commissioner's Court. This decision has led to grievances from elected officials who are seeking a 16% salary increase, arguing that their compensation should reflect the same adjustments as other county employees.

The discussions revealed confusion among committee members about the implications of the previous vote, with some questioning whether the proposed salary increases were negotiable. The committee considered the possibility of tabling the vote to allow for further input from other constables seeking similar raises.

Constable Frank Cantu of Precinct 2 addressed the committee, advocating for a pay raise for himself and his colleagues, emphasizing the need for fair compensation given their responsibilities. The committee's deliberations will continue as they weigh the requests against the budgetary constraints and previous decisions made by the Commissioner's Court.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members recognized the importance of addressing these grievances and the potential impact on the morale of elected officials within the county. Further discussions and votes are expected in upcoming meetings as the committee seeks to find a resolution.