Kendall County Commissioners told County Sheriff Al Auxier they would like to see all members of his department share equally in a six-figure grant coming from the state.
Auxier spoke to commissioners during their Feb. 12 meeting, explaining his outlay of money to staff based primarily on seniority and valued experience.
“Senate Bill 22 represents the first time in Texas history that the state is assisting and funding law enforcement in rural counties, reaffirming our dedication to public safety,” Auxier quoted Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on SB 22’s creation.
According to stipulations of SB 22, Kendall County is set to receive $350,000 once the state approves its grant.
County Judge Shane Stolarczyk said he feels the money should be spread across the board, rewarding all staffers with approximately $3,500. Under Auxier’s proposal, 43 of 95 sheriff’s department employees would receive no “grant adjustment,” including 16 patrol deputies. Auxier also was listed as receiving no share of the grant.
But Auxier said the monies as divided under his proposal helped address retention of experienced, longer-term employees who, without better pay scales, will look elsewhere. He said it is harder to replace them, given the skills, acquired training and extensive backgrounds they bring to the department.
A state official told commissioners the money should arrive by the end of March as a lump sum for counties and sheriff’s offices to spend as they see fit.
Stolarczyk said he sees the intent of the statute as to “lift up” those deputies in the field, so as not to lose them.
After a review of Auxier’s paperwork and proposal, Stolarczyk disagreed with the crux of the sheriff’s proposal.
“The main point of the statute is to achieve standardization of salary minimums across the state,” Stolarczyk said. “I personally believe this money should be distributed equally among everyone that serves. That way, no one is being left out.”
He said he took issue with “our deputies being told this money was going to be distributed equally amongst them, (but) changing course after they were told that.”
“To me, the whole spirit of the statute is taking care of the boots on the ground,” Stolarczyk said. 'Of the ‘boots on the ground’ doing the patrols, I think only seven of our 28 guys are getting anything.”
An initial motion to approve SB 22 funds as presented by the sheriff died for a lack of a second.
“We are working hard to take care of you all. You are the front-line of defense for this community,” Stolarczyk said. “We support you; I just want to make sure we find a way where we can all benefit.”
Precinct 3 Commissioner Richard Chapman suggested holding a workshop where all parties could openly discuss all factors in play and come up with an agreement. Auxier said he supported that idea.
“That way, it can be done as a team effort, and I'm not coming to you again with suggestions and recommendations, trying to come up with something everybody agrees to,” Auxier said.
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