Nueces County and the Sheriff’s Deputies Union reached a tentative three-year deal with pay raises of up to 20%, aiming to boost retention and morale.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Just days after labor talks appeared to stall, Nueces County and the Nueces County Sheriff’s Officers Association have reached a tentative three-year agreement that union leaders say delivers long-overdue pay raises and stability for local law enforcement.

RELATED: Labor dispute highlights Nueces County deputy pay concerns

According to the NCSOA, County Judge Connie Scott returned to the table this week with “a proposal that supports public safety.” The deal includes a competitive base pay increase, a permanent rollover of retention pay, and adjustments to certification and longevity pay — resulting in a total salary increase of up to 20 percent over the next three years.

The tentative agreement was presented Tuesday to the Nueces County Commissioners Court, which voted 5–0 to approve it.

In a statement, the NCSOA called the deal “an important step forward in helping the Sheriff’s Office and Constables’ Offices retain the dedicated Deputies and Correctional Officers who proudly protect and serve the citizens of Nueces County day in and day out.”

Earlier in the week, preliminary collective-bargaining negotiations had broken down between the union and the commissioners court. NCSOA President Mark Villarreal said deputies were no longer willing to accept stagnant pay tied to county budget shortfalls.

“We’ve taken zeros in the past, but that time is coming to an end,” Villarreal said. “Frankly, that’s a slap in the face to every single man and woman who dons the officer’s uniform.”

Commissioner John Marez acknowledged deputies’ concerns and said the court remains focused on retention.

“We can never pay law enforcement and first responders what they actually do,” Marez said. “They put their lives on the line every day … My concern, and I feel the court’s concern, is how do we match up with other counties and other law enforcement agencies?”

Despite the earlier impasse, NCSOA Vice President Sgt. Zachary Syler said the new proposal reflects meaningful progress toward those promises.

“You can’t pay for those skills you develop over time,” Syler said. “Hopefully this contract will retain those individuals instead of them constantly leaving like has been common practice.”

Union leaders thanked Scott and commissioners for working in good faith to reach the deal and said they look forward to finalizing a full collective-bargaining agreement in the weeks ahead.

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