The Bowie County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a raise in their pay which will equal to the pay of Texarkana Texas Police Department. In order to achieve this pay parity, they are asking for Bowie county residents’ support in their efforts.
Bowie County Deputies are paid significantly lower salaries to perform essentially identical duties. Under the current salary schedule, deputies receive no increases in pay from the date of hire; no matter the years of service.
According to Bowie County Sheriff’s Office, they have employed deputies for 15-20 years who make exactly the same amount as a new hire.
As a Department, the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office is paid an average of 31% less than both Texarkana Police Departments. In addition, the cities receive Educational pay incentives, Certification level incentives, Longevity pay, Shift Differential pay, as well as K9 and Field Training Officer stipends.
The Bowie County Sheriff’s Office will be filing a “Petition to Increase Salaries” as defined in Local Government Code 152.072, and is asking the public to continue their support for as they have in past years by supporting these efforts.
The Bowie County Sheriff’s Office employees are currently collecting signatures seeking Bowie County voter support for presentation of the petition to the Commissioners Court.
“We would like to clarify that we completely support the Bowie County Judge and Commissioners and fully understand the difficult task of operating the County budget. We certainly welcome their involvement and hope to have their support. No matter the outcome, the Bowie County Sheriff’s Department will continue to provide professional law enforcement to the citizens of this area,” said Bowie County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Robby McCarver.
