Ellis County · community
Community pulse
What residents are talking about in Ellis County public meetings, ranked by community engagement.
Regional Animal Shelter
Regional animal shelter / spay-neuter funding
Angus Road family subdivision variance
Rocket Ranch MUD Wastewater Permit
Retiree Health Insurance Renewal
Commercial Fire Code Standards and Permit Fees
Local Provider Participation Program Hospital Rate Setting
Ellis County Farm Heritage Day
Master Thoroughfare Plan Amendment
Tax Year 2026 Tax Rate Adoption
Bear Creek Polo Ranch Phase 2
FY 2027 Budget and Tax Rates
Granary Road Variance Request
Budget and Governance
Budget
Budget and Tax Rate
Budget and Audit
Tax Rate and Development
Budget and Development
Tax Rate
Budget Transparency
Animal Shelter
Budget and Administration
Sheriff's Budget
Development & housing
Water & utilities
Tax Abatement Compliance
Historic Courthouse Restoration
Data Center Development
Animal Shelter Funding
Greystone Estates Phase 4
Data Center Regulation
Tyler Technologies Contract
Wastewater Treatment and MUD Opposition
Drainage Master Plan
Trails at Hidden Creek
Animal Shelter Needs Assessment
Legendary Hills on Hamrock
Tax Abatement
Weston Holiday Data Center
Adoption Day Proclamation
New Tax Abatement Guidelines
Rebecca Perry Art Recognition
Legendary Hills Development
Animal Control and Shelter Needs
Taxes and Tax Abatements
The Hart Farm, Phase No. 1 Replat
Searcy Addition Plat Cancellation
Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget
Outdoor Business Order Amendments
In the news
12 articlesRecent coverage of Ellis County from local and regional media.
Midlothian PD investigates shooting | Ellis County Press
MIDLOTHIAN – Midlothian Police are investigating a June 1 shooting. Patrol officers responded to the 1000 block of Hawkins Run Road following a report of a possible shooting at 6:04 p.m. A nearby resident reported a single gunshot and then observed approximately 20 individuals running from the Hawkins Run entrance of Lake Grove Park. A release stated some individuals were seen fleeing west toward Coleman Elementary School, and the caller indicated one subject appeared to be bleeding from the hand.
Sheriff alerts residents to scams | Ellis County Press
ELLIS COUNTY – Ellis County Sheriff’s Department issued the latest scam alert. It’s been reported individuals are contacting residents by phone and falsely identifying themselves as employees or deputies of the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department. Scammers are telling the victim they have missed a federal court subpoena, jury duty, or another official court appearance.
Local data center commits millions for Ellis County animal shelter | Ellis County Press
ELLIS COUNTY – PRNewswire reported last week Compass Datacenters has committed $15-million to build a new Ellis County animal shelter. Compass Datacenters was nearby local rescue volunteers who stepped up last year and tirelessly opened their homes to keep Ellis County animals safe. The issue became dire when the SPCA of Texas closed its Ellis County regional care center on April 15. Ellis County Judge John Wray said when the SPCA pulled its contract last year, the community was left with no options.
Waxahachie mourns death of Deputy City Manager Albert Lawrence | Ellis County Press
WAXAHACHIE – It is not everyone who makes an impact on a city the way Waxahachie’s Deputy City Manager Albert Lawrence did. Lawrence died July 10, leaving what the city remarked was a “Legacy of service, dedication, and leadership which will forever remain a cornerstone of our community.” His time and energy also went a step further as the city’s website stated, “He will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but for the kindness and integrity he brought to every interaction.”
Wilmer city officials arrested after racially-charged gas station confrontation | Ellis County Press
WILMER – A Wilmer City Council member and the city’s acting Police Chief were arrested last weekend with what began as a verbal dispute on July 22, between newly elected Council member Moses Garcia, 53, and a man Garcia said was a friend. Garcia was charged with making a terroristic threat, a Class B misdemeanor under Texas law.
Texas is baned several THC products July 31 | Ellis County Press
Texans’ access to a variety of hemp-derived THC products will significantly narrowed on Friday, July 31. Texas baned several hemp-derived THC cannabis products, including those containing delta- 8 and delta-10 THC variants, punishing people in possession of them with jail time and fines.
Wilmer City Attorney resigns hours before council meeting | Ellis County Press
Michael B. Halla Body WILMER - Wilmer City Attorney Michael B. Halla officially resigned on Aug, 6 stepping down exactly one hour before a highly anticipated, packed city...
Who benefits from moving commissioner’s court to a new location? | Ellis County Press
WAXAHACHIE - At the recent Ellis County Commissioners Court meeting an item was addressed that had some locals talking. The item concerned the scope of design services for the Ellis County owned property located at 1305 West Jefferson in Waxahachie.
Ennis announces 2026 State of the City event | Ellis County Press
ENNIS – The City of Ennis is excited to host a joint State of the City, County, and School event on Aug. 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the Bluebonnet Room at the Ennis Welcome Center. This event is designed to provide residents with a high-level update on the City’s progress, priorities, and vision for the future. City, County, and School District leadership will present an overview of recent accomplishments, major initiatives, ongoing projects, and longer-term plans that continue to shape the growth and development of Ennis.
ELLIS COUNTY’S BUDGET: More money, more government, more questions | Ellis County Press
WAXAHACHIE – Strong opinions have been voiced over the past few weeks regarding Ellis’s County’s recently released proposed new fiscal year budget. The county says growth requires more spending; critics say the budget creates more government than necessary. Ellis County GOP held a special meeting this past Saturday discussing the proposed county budget and tax implications. While the county commissioners could not be in attendance due to potential violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Ellis County Judge John Wray was in attendance.
1st day of school took RO parents by surprise | Ellis County Press
RED OAK – The first day back to school for the Red Oak High School 2026-2027 school year was a little different as many parents and students found out early Wednesday morning on Aug. 12. Due to several 2025 Bond Construction projects at and around the school and city road construction on Lowrance Rd. behind the high school, several alternative entrances and exits were blocked. Red Oak ISD published routes and parking areas across social media platforms prior to the first day of school.
Ellis County DA declines to prosecute Matthew Zajic | Ellis County Press
ELLIS COUNTY – The Ellis County and District Attorney’s office has stepped aside from prosecuting Precinct 2 Commissioner Matthew Zajic. Following an investigation by the Ennis Police Department, the cases were formally submitted to the local DA’s office. Zajic was arrested in June in connection with a Theft of Property (>$100-