A Raise for Lubbock County Commissioners: Fair Pay or Overreach?

Let’s not get too deep in the weeds, but it costs money to run government—and to serve in it.

Recently, Lubbock County Commissioners voted for a three percent pay increase, a raise they themselves will benefit from. Currently, commissioners earn around $89,000 a year, plus a $4,800 expense account. That’s not a fortune by business standards, but it’s far from minimum wage either.

Now, let’s zoom out.

Frankly, I believe there are some commissioners who aren’t worth two cents. That’s the issue. If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. To attract competent leaders who can handle the business of a growing county, competitive pay is essential.

Yes, the Lubbock City Council earns only about $25 a month, but our city runs under a "strong city manager" form of government. That means the city manager handles most of the actual work. County Commissioners, on the other hand, have more responsibility, more visibility, and far more direct contact with constituents.

Meanwhile, everything costs more. Meat is averaging $9 a pound, and Procter & Gamble is raising prices on essentials like toilet paper and laundry detergent thanks to tariffs. Inflation affects us all, including county employees.

You Get What You Pay For

Are there overpaid politicians? Absolutely. But that’s a performance issue, not a payroll one. If our elected officials aren’t earning their keep, the problem isn’t their salary—it’s our lack of accountability.

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One last note: Let’s stop saying these folks “serve” Lubbock. When you earn close to $90,000, you’re not volunteering. You’re working for the taxpayers. And as their employer, we have every right to expect results.