The Lubbock County Commissioners' Court meeting on July 28, 2025, focused on critical budgetary decisions, including the approval of the Emergency Communication District budget and proposed salary adjustments for elected officials.

The court unanimously approved the budget for the Lubbock Emergency Communication District for the upcoming fiscal year, with no further discussion required. This decision marks a significant step in ensuring the district's operational funding.

A major topic of discussion was the proposed salary increases for elected county and precinct officers for fiscal year 2026. The court is required by law to set these salaries, which are essential for budget publication and distribution to elected officials. A 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) was proposed for most elected officials, while salaries for county court judges are set by the state legislature and will see a substantial increase due to a recent legislative adjustment.

The proposed salary increases for county court judges reflect a significant rise, with salaries jumping from $193,000 to $234,000 for County Court at Law 1, and similar increases for the other county courts. However, these adjustments are considered unfunded mandates from the state, placing additional financial pressure on the county budget.

During the meeting, some commissioners expressed concerns about the appropriateness of salary increases for elected officials, especially in light of budget constraints affecting county employees. One commissioner stated they would decline the pay raise, emphasizing the need for elected officials to align with the county's fiscal challenges.

An amendment was proposed to eliminate the county judge's salary increase and redistribute those funds to other elected officials, ensuring they receive the same COLA adjustment as county employees. This amendment reflects a commitment to equitable treatment of all county officials and acknowledges the hard work of department leaders.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on the proposed salary adjustments, highlighting the ongoing debate about compensation for elected officials in the context of broader budgetary constraints. The court's decisions will have lasting implications for the county's financial management and the morale of its employees.