Court considers raise for elected officials

Travis County’s elected officials are closer to getting a raise courtesy of the Commissioners Court. On Tuesday, the court voted 4-0, with Commissioner Margaret Gomez off the dais, to advance a 2.5 percent maximum salary hike for not only themselves but also the sheriff, the county clerk, the district attorney and many more. There is no obligation for each official to take the full amount, although out of everyone involved, only three members of the court — County Judge Sarah Eckhardt, Commissioner Gerald Daugherty and Commissioner Brigid Shea — opted to take home less than they are permitted. The court won’t officially set the new salaries until it adopts next year’s budget later this summer. However, there will be a public hearing on the matter next month, so if you, for example, feel that Tax Assessor-Collector Bruce Elfant deserves more than $126,416 per year, mark your calendar for July 19 to have your voice heard.