HOUSTON — A Harris County salary grievance committee voted Thursday to recommend a $40,000 pay increase for County Treasurer Carla Wyatt, despite county commissioners’ efforts to eliminate the treasurer’s office.
The recommendation will go before Harris County Commissioners Court for a final vote.
Wyatt had asked the nine-member committee for a 119% raise, which would have increased her annual salary from $139,000 to $305,000. The request exceeded the $255,000 increase she initially sought in an official grievance filing.
The committee rejected Wyatt’s request for a salary matching other countywide elected officials, including the county and district attorneys. Commissioners also approved raises for the county’s eight elected constables, who are set to receive $305,000 annually under the proposed 2027 budget.
Wyatt argued that she serves the same countywide electorate as officials who received the larger raises.
“I have been here, I’m a countywide elected official, the people of Harris County put me here, and so I plan to continue to serve them in this capacity,” Wyatt said. “I don’t intend to be disrespected.”
County commissioners unanimously voted earlier this year to pursue legislation that would eliminate the treasurer’s office. The proposal is expected to become a legislative priority when lawmakers return for the 2027 session. If the Legislature approves the measure with the required two-thirds vote, voters would decide whether to eliminate the office.
County budget director Daniel Ramos said commissioners have consistently taken steps toward reducing and ultimately eliminating the position, which likely influenced the decision not to grant Wyatt a larger raise.
Wyatt, a 24-year county employee, oversees an office with 12 employees. She is seeking reelection this year and said she expects voters to return her to office.
“I have been elected by the people. I will be reelected in November by the people and I will have a four-year term,” Wyatt said.
The committee rejected several salary proposals before voting 6-3 to recommend the $40,000 increase.
Wyatt did not return a request for comment.