Harrison County Holds Urgent Hearings on Budget, Salaries Today
UPDATE: Urgent hearings are underway today in Harrison County as the Commissioners Court debates the crucial adoption of the 2025-26 budget and tax rate. The discussions will commence at 9 a.m. in the commissioners courtroom at the historic courthouse, addressing critical salary increases for elected officials, including constables.
The first hearing will focus on proposed salaries for county officials, a matter that has sparked significant attention following presentations from constables advocating for pay raises. The salary grievance committee recently granted raises for three of the four constables, amounting to a base salary of $50,000, which, when combined with additional allowances, totals approximately $54,000.
Constables Darryl Griffin, Jim Weatherall, and John Hickey argued for equitable pay during the public hearing on August 25, highlighting disparities compared to Justices of the Peace and deputy sheriffs. “Currently, constables make $43,172, while JPs earn $53,873 and deputy sheriffs range from $51,096 to $52,584,” Weatherall stated, calling for a salary equal to $59,603, the same as other elected officials.
The constables emphasized the demanding nature of their roles, detailing their responsibilities, from serving civil processes to acting as court bailiffs. Griffin noted, “Our job is just as important as the other two… My job was elected by the people in my precinct just like the commissioners were.” Their calls for fair compensation stem from years of feeling undervalued compared to peers in similar positions.
In response to the ongoing discussions, Harrison County Judge Chad Sims acknowledged that while JPs require higher salaries due to their workload, he also believes constables deserve a raise. The proposed budget includes a general 3% raise for county employees, with an additional 6% increase for constables. Sims stated, “I felt like they were too low as well.”
The hearings also include discussions on a proposed property tax rate of 34.28 cents per $100 valuation, slightly lower than last year’s rate. However, due to rising property values, the average homeowner will see an annual tax increase of $25.
As the hearings unfold, the outcome could significantly impact the salaries of elected officials in Harrison County. The urgency of these discussions highlights the need for fair compensation for those serving in vital community roles. Stay tuned for updates from the hearings as they develop throughout the day.
