The Rockwall County Commissioners Court convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on personnel adjustments, healthcare costs, and operational needs. The total budget for 2025 was reported at $11,767,418, with a proposed increase to $12,264,366 for 2026, reflecting a 4.2% rise primarily due to targeted personnel increases and investments in technology.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the implementation of a step plan for detention officers, which aims to enhance career opportunities within the department. The Sheriff noted that many surrounding counties have similar plans, which help in retaining staff by providing a clearer career trajectory. Currently, Rockwall County's starting salary for detention officers is $49,000, which is competitive but still lower than some neighboring counties. The Sheriff emphasized the need to align salaries with those of adjacent counties to attract and retain qualified personnel.

Concerns were raised regarding overtime costs, which have been a persistent issue. The proposed budget does not include an increase in overtime funding, despite ongoing staffing shortages that leave the department short by approximately 9 to 15 officers. The Sheriff indicated that the department is currently projecting an overtime expenditure of around $250,000 for the year, which reflects the ongoing challenges of maintaining adequate staffing levels.

Additionally, the court reviewed various operational costs, including an increase in supplies for inmate services, which rose from $60,000 to $66,000 due to inflation. The budget also included a discussion on workers' compensation costs, which have been budgeted conservatively to account for potential salary increases and vacancies.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the county's efforts to improve compensation structures for law enforcement personnel while addressing the financial implications of staffing shortages and rising operational costs. The court plans to continue refining the budget in response to these discussions, with a focus on ensuring competitive salaries and adequate resources for the county's law enforcement agencies.