Justice of the Peace Demands Raise Despite Huge Budget Deficit

     Justice of the Peace Sallie Gonzalez Precinct 5-1 is pressing forward with her demand for a 30% raise of  an additional $12,000 annually despite Cameron County being strapped for money.  Other county officials had similar notions but most including JP Bennie Ochoa eventually thought better of it in the current economic climate.  The county currently has a $3,000,000 shortfall.     

     Judge Carlos Cascos originally pushed for county officials to accept a 10% decrease in pay but that was voted down by the county commissioners who opted for simply no pay increases.  Ms. Gonzalez is pursuing the raise through a grievance process that will be heard by a panel made up of grand jury participants.  Her job currently pays approximately $45,000 a year with an additional $5,400 vehicle allowance.  The job is considered by some citizens to be a part-time position.