Presentation by the Texas Association of Counties regarding the 2016 County Best Practices Award to Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar and the Webb County Sheriff’s Office for their legislative initiatives; and any other matters incident thereto. [Requested by Frank J. Sciaraffa, Commissioner Pct. 1 and the Texas Association of Counties (TAC)]
Issue: Historically, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office was losing young peace officers to other organizations that offered larger salaries and better fringe benefits. Unable to compete, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office helped introduce and pass legislation that allows the reactivation of retired peace officers’ licenses.
Solution: The Webb County Sheriff’s Office worked with its state representatives to introduce needed legislation. By hiring experienced officers, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office avoids the expense of sending unlicensed new young officers for months of training just to witness them hired away by other federal, state, or local agencies which offer higher salaries and better benefits.
Result: The Texas Association of Counties (TAC) has awarded the Webb County Sheriff’s Office a 2016 County Best Practices Award in recognition of this innovative program. Webb County was one of 15 counties out of 254 counties in Texas selected by TAC to receive a Best Practices Award.