Travis County leaders have approved to boost minimum wage for workers to $20 an hour, according to Austin-based media outlets’ reports.
Austin ABC affiliate KVUE reported that the move by the Travis County Commissioners Court follows a similar move by the Austin City Council.
Travis County Precinct 4 Commissioner Margaret Gómez told the station the increase was a long time coming.
"A lot of employees have been waiting a long, long time to make more and survive in this community," Gómez said. "Let's make an investment in our employees."
KVUE reported the current minimum wage for county employees is $15 an hour, with the bump to go into effect at the beginning of next month.
The commissioners court additionally green-lighted a 5% pay raise across the board, the station reported.
Travis County Judge Andy Brown said in a tweet that the body also “made significant improvements to public safety.”
According to Austin CBS affiliate KEYE, Brown, a Democrat, touted the improvements as “a meaningful investment.”
“Treating our people like they are essential is paying them enough to live in this great county where they work today,” the county judge said, KEYE reported.
Gómez added that the county’s essential workers are struggling with a high cost of living.
Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported that the commissioners court approved a cost of living adjustment for retirees in the new fiscal year (FY), as well as increased entry-level salaries for corrections officers, law enforcement deputies and other public safety personnel.
KXAN reported that county leaders hope the actions taken make the county an attractive draw for potential employees.
The commissioners court will adopt the county’s tax rate on Sept. 20 and the new budget a week later, per the station.