Maverick County Judge David R. Saucedo and County Commissioner for Pct. 4 Roberto Ruiz were there to express their opposition to the proposal.
“I just had a proposal turned in to me this afternoon by the county auditor. I will tell you I’m not in agreement. We have many pending matters in the county: repairs that have to be done to buildings, also construction that has to be done throughout the county. This year we’re not putting a raise in for the budget, we’re offering longevity pay for our employees,” said Saucedo. “As you know my job is to represent all employees and I think they all do an excellent job. Over the years we’ve seen the discrepancy grow from one single office, which is the auditors, office way above and beyond, in some instances getting paid three to four times more than another employee who is just as valuable. We will ask that this year the only increase that is given to these employees this year is the longevity pay that is given to all the employees within the county.”
Judge Abascal then proceeded to go through the individual proposals one by one and setting the increases into place for each individual position presented by Auditor Sandra Watkins.
After the hearing was over, Judge Saucedo was asked to comment on the disdain shown for the request.
“Here it is again, the Auditing Department getting yet another pay raise while many other departments in the county remain at the same level of pay,” said Saucedo. “Percentage totals on two of the raises were above the 5 percent. One was at 12.5 percent and another at 7.5 percent.”
Auditor Watkins then intervened in the interview being conducted with Saucedo.
“I am understanding in total sir. That’s my document,” said Watkins.
“The reporter is interviewing me ma’am. Please don’t interrupt me when we’re speaking,” said Saucedo, who added that Watkins had given him the document in question.
“Just to review and to give back to me sir,” answered Watkins.
Watkins said the information that was on the document should not be disclosed to the media because it was not public record despite the fact that Judge Abascal had given out the numbers during the public hearing. The numbers are also part of the upcoming proposed county budget which is made available to the public.