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 than what is offered in the city of Houston.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jonathan Zitzmann presented a pay parity plan for officer salaries to the Montgomery County Commissioners Court on Aug. 12. Previously, local law enforcement leaders had raised concerns about Houston’s plan, announced in May , that will raise police pay by 36.5% by 2030. Montgomery County’s pay plan was approved under the county’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget Sept. 5.

Zitzmann said the approach in Montgomery County will focus on recruiting, retaining and rewarding law enforcement personnel.

“A lot of our guys are working

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