Harris County is extending its $20-an-hour living wage standard to 222 employees at the Harris Center who provide mental health and disability services to residents across the region. – Harris County is extending its $20-an-hour living wage standard to 222 employees at the Harris Center who provide mental health and disability services to residents across the region.
Commissioners Court approved the wage increase Tuesday.
The Harris Center employees are not Harris County employees, so they were not previously covered by the county’s newly established $20-an-hour living wage policy.
The change means every Harris Center employee will earn at least $20 an hour, according to county officials.
“Every day, Harris Center employees do extraordinary work supporting people with some of the most complex needs in our community,” Harris Center CEO Keena Pace said. “This investment means every Harris Center employee will earn at least $20 an hour, and it sends a clear message that their work is valued and their contribution matters.”
The move also includes a 6% raise for Harris Center employees, according to United Workers of Harris Center Local 6154.
“That’s huge for our members, and it means the people caring for our community’s mental health can finally afford to live in it,” Brian Kelley, secretary-treasurer of the union, said.
Harris County budget also includes worker-focused programs
The proposed county budget includes several other investments aimed at working families and county employees. Among them is the Apprenticeship Advantage Program, which county officials said has served more than 1,800 residents and achieved a 100% job-placement rate in its trades program.
The budget also funds implementation of the county’s new Consultation Policy, which covers 5,691 eligible employees and gives workers a formal channel to weigh in on personnel rules and workplace decisions.
Under the policy, employees will have a Consultation Agent chosen by their peers, as well as representation in grievance matters. The budget also includes funding to enforce Harris County’s Worksite Safety Policy, which took effect July 1.
The policy requires site-specific safety plans and inspections for county-funded projects, along with measures such as heat illness plans, 10-minute paid breaks every four hours and stop-work authority for workers who identify unsafe conditions. The proposed budget would fund the inspectors and staff responsible for enforcing those requirements.
A public hearing on the full proposed budget is scheduled for Sept. 17 at 9 a.m.
Commissioners Court’s approval of the Harris Center wage increase comes as Harris County continues working through its broader budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Commissioner Lesley Briones said the budget reflects an effort to support frontline services and working families.
“Families are suffering, and the cost of living keeps rising,” Briones said. “This budget reflects our priorities: protecting frontline services, getting resources directly to people, and investing in the working families that keep our community running.”
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