A Wichita County constable is celebrating a victory in his efforts to seek higher pay for the work he does.

Last Tuesday, Precinct 2 Constable Tom Black presented his case to the salary grievance committee.

“It was a good dialogue,” Wichita County Judge Woody Gossom said.

Judge Gossom was the chairperson for the committee and a non-voting member. The other nine consisted of four public members who used to serve on the grand jury, along with five county officials.

“We had a good open discussion at the salary grievance panel. I fielded fair questions, some of them were even to my benefit,” Constable Black said.

The committee voted unanimously to raise Constable Black’s salary. They recommended that it grow from $25,447 that he will take home this year to $35,000 he will be paid in 2017. Constable Black will also continue to have a $3,000 vehicle allowance.

“I think it that was a good solution,” Judge Gossom said.

After receiving support from the committee and the community, Constable Black is ready to get back to work.

“They came to what I believe is a fair conclusion and we’re ready to go on with our business,” Constable Black said.

Constable Black said while his salary is still $6,000 less than the state average of $41,000, at this time, he has not committed to asking for high pay in 2018.

– Newschannel 6