As El Paso County looks to balance its budget, pay raises are off the table for most employees.
The El Paso County Commissioners Court, which gave itself a significant pay increase last year, voted unanimously Monday, Aug. 11, to instead give county employees an additional four days of paid vacation at the end of the year. Employees not under collective bargaining agreements will now be off from Monday, Dec. 22, through Friday, Jan. 2.
The shortfall comes as the county is faced with higher salaries for El Paso County Sheriff’s Department salaries, as well as other law enforcement, thanks to previously-approved contracts.
Along with foregoing salary increases, the county is looking to once again raise property taxes. Commissioners Court is poised to approve a 47.8-cent tax rate, the highest allowed without going to voters for approval, which will raise property tax bills on the average home by about $100.
Taking into account the increase expected from the city, the average home’s property tax bill will increase by nearly $200 next year.
Commissioners Court could still opt for a lower tax rate when the final budget is approved in September.
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso County employees to receive extra vacation days instead of pay raises
Reporting by Adam Powell, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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