AUSTIN, Texas — Travis County Sheriff’s Office deputies want a raise, but the Sheriff Sally Hernandez says not so fast, believing that the money could be spent better elsewhere. 

The Travis County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Association and the Travis County Sheriff’s Officers Association said they have not had a pay raise in six years. TCSLEA conducted a market salary survey, which compared salaries to other departments in the area, leading to a $15 million pay proposal. The package would mean 14 percent in pay raises. Union leaders tell Spectrum News they knew the number would be too expensive for the county to take on. 

In response to the proposal, Hernandez sent a memo to entire agency that said, in part, $15 million “is a huge price tag”  that could “provide for a greater good if spent differently.”

While Hernandez said she believes that all of her employees should be compensated appropriately, she went on to list a number of ways $15 million could be used across the department. TCSLEA president and Travis County Detective Mike Morton wrote a letter to members which stated, in part: “Writing a memorandum to Commissioners’ Court directly opposing our proposal does not reflect openness and appears underhanded.” 

The two unions and members took their concerns to Commissioners Court Tuesday. 

“We have to be realistic about it, but at the same time, it also has to be something that our members can accept and believe that we’re being supported by our county,” Morton said. 

Hernandez stands by her responsibility to her entire staff, including the civilians. She is seeking several additional hires, including, but not limited to, five detectives and a sergeant to handle major crimes cases and 28 corrections officers. The proposal also includes additional civilian roles like telecommunicators and nurses. Hernandez said the goal is to relieve the burden of responding to crime in a fast growing county. 

“As a detective -  and you’re working so hard - I don’t care how much money you make,” she said. “If you’re miserable, it’s not worth it.”

Hernandez’s proposal does include some compensation benefits, like overnight pay and higher starting salary for cadets. One issue that commissioners acknowledged that would require more debate is whether to extend a salary cap for senior staffers. 

Commissioners will consider law enforcement compensation during the budget process, which continues all summer and into the fall.