In a recent government meeting, the Travis County Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSED) presented a request for a 3% temporary salary increase for its employees for fiscal year 2025. The department, which oversees adult probation in Travis County, highlighted significant challenges stemming from a decrease in probation placements and corresponding funding cuts.

CSED Director emphasized that the department's funding is primarily derived from fees paid by probation clients, alongside state allocations. With a notable decline in the number of individuals on probation—from nearly 9,700 in fiscal year 2019 to approximately 6,478 in fiscal year 2024—the department faces a projected loss of over $200,000 in state funds due to the reduced client base. This decline has resulted in a staffing reduction from 253 employees in 2019 to 169 in the current fiscal year, raising concerns about the ability to manage caseloads effectively.

The starting salary for probation officers currently stands at $37,000, which is significantly lower than comparable positions in surrounding counties. Despite recent state increases, the salaries remain inadequate, prompting the request for a temporary pay raise to help retain and recruit staff. The director noted that the department's ability to provide adequate supervision is compromised by high vacancy rates and the need to manage increasingly complex cases, including those involving violent offenders.

The meeting underscored the ongoing struggle of the CSED to balance budget constraints with the need for effective probation services, as the funding formula does not account for the unique challenges faced by the department. The director expressed concern that without the requested salary increase, the department would continue to face difficulties in maintaining a stable workforce, ultimately impacting public safety and rehabilitation efforts.