Local law enforcement agencies tackled the issue of officer pay during the 2025-26 budget season, with Montgomery County leading the charge for a more competitive salary to match or exceed what is offered in the city of Houston.

Jonathan Zitzmann, chief deputy with Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, on Aug. 12 presented a pay parity plan to Commissioners Court in response to concerns raised in May by Sheriff Wesley Doolittle. The county, The Woodlands Township and Shenandoah have increased their fiscal year 2025-26 budgets from the original projections to account for the changes.

Zitzmann said Montgomery County will focus on recruiting, retaining and rewarding law enforcement.

“A lot of our guys are working a second job,” Judge Mark Keough said. “Doing this ... gives them some freedo

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