Rockwall County Commissioner Cliff Sevier files affidavit to reduce pay, return money to taxpayers

Rockwall County Commissioner Cliff Sevier announced yesterday via his Facebook page that an affidavit had been filed to return his pay raise to the county.

“This information shows that I did what the voters ask for. I took a 3% raise and returned $16,000.00 back to the county,” Sevier said in the release. “After voting NO to a pay raise and budget that was recently passed by the Rockwall County Commissioner Court, Cliff Sevier, who represents Commissioners Precinct 1, signed an affadavit to return $16,000.00 to Rockwall taxpayers.”

The salary for the position of County Commissioner was increased from $80,000

“I felt it would be hypocritical to vote against both the pay raise and budget then turn around and pocket the money,” Commissioner Cliff Sevier said. “As a fiscal conservative, my number one priority is representing hardworking families who operate within their budgets, and the best way to do that is to operate our county more efficiently at reduced costs to taxpayers.”

Sevier invoked the Texas Local Government Code (Sec. 152.052(b)) entitled “Decision to Reduce Compensation or not be Paid” which states than an elected official may, at any time, reduce the amount of compensation set for that office.

As a combat veteran, I adopted the philosophy that leadership begins with listening,” Sevier said. “I have applied that same philosophy in my service to our community, and I think most people recognize and appreciate that.”

This information shows that I did what the voters ask for. I took a 3% raise and returned $16,000.00 back to the county. Posted by Cliff Sevier For County Commissioner on Thursday, November 7, 2019

The notarized affadavit was signed and submitted to the County Treasurer on October 15, 2019. A copy is available on Facebook page at Cliff Sevier For County Commissioner.

“I received several e-mails asking if any of the other court members took a smaller pay raise, and gave money back to the County. I couldn’t answer the question at that time. However, this morning I was reading the Herald Banner News and saw where they ran a store on me and Judge Sweet returning part of our pay raise back to the County. Today was the first time I know Judge Sweet only took a 5% raise. I know there are two people now that have given up their big pay raise. I would like to thank Judge Sweet for what he has done,” Sevier said a post in the Rockwallian group on Facebook.