Fort Bend County Approves Prevailing Wage Policy for Certain Public Construction Projects Starting January 2026
Fort Bend County Commissioners Court has approved a new prevailing wage policy that will establish minimum wage standards for laborers and mechanics working on certain county-funded construction projects. The policy is set to take effect January 1, 2026, following a unanimous vote by the court.
The policy was adopted in accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 2258, which governs prevailing wage requirements on public works projects across the state. Under the new standards, contractors and subcontractors working on eligible Fort Bend County projects will be required to pay wages that reflect locally prevailing rates for similar work.
Prevailing wage does not refer to a single, flat rate. Instead, wages vary by job classification and are intended to align with typical pay for comparable work in the region, such as equipment operators, electricians, or general laborers. County officials note that the framework is designed to apply existing regional wage data to taxpayer-funded projects covered under state law.
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The policy will apply only to construction and public works projects that fall under Chapter 2258 and will not affect private development or all county contracts. Projects potentially subject to the policy may include county road and bridge construction, drainage and flood mitigation work, and major county facilities or public buildings, depending on how each project is classified under state guidelines.
County leaders say the policy mirrors actions taken by other large Texas jurisdictions as population growth continues to drive demand for infrastructure improvements. Fort Bend County staff will oversee implementation and compliance beginning in 2026, including monitoring whether contractors on applicable projects meet wage documentation requirements.
Commissioner McCoy described the policy as part of the county’s approach to managing growth and public investment, stating, “This action reflects Fort Bend County’s commitment to keeping our community affordable while ensuring the people who work on behalf of the county earn livable wages that reflect their skill and talent.”
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He also credited the County Attorney’s Office for its role in drafting the policy, which received unanimous support from Commissioners Court.
The prevailing wage policy will take effect at the start of the new year, and residents may begin seeing its impact as future county construction projects move forward under the updated requirements.
For continued coverage of Fort Bend County government decisions, infrastructure updates, and community-focused policy changes, stay tuned with My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
