Ellis County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ellis County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Drainage Master Plan
A proposed homesite on 4.5 acres near Jen Road sits on highly erosive land with heavy water flows — up to 706 cubic feet per second in a 100-year event. Commissioner Stinson delayed the variance until a drainage and erosion study protects downstream neighbors and Walker Creek.
Rescission of County Outdoor Burn Ban
With scorching temperatures and drought index numbers climbing rapidly, the court enacted an immediate burn ban to prevent wildfires across Ellis County.
Rocket Ranch MUD Wastewater Discharge Permit
The county voted to challenge a TCEQ wastewater discharge permit for a proposed 1,200-home subdivision. Developers explained the discharge permit is only a backup plan to connecting with a regional Trinity River Authority plant.
Commercial Fire Code Standards and Permit Fees
The court debated whether to revoke the recently adopted 2024 International Fire Code over concerns about increased permit fees and mandates like concrete fire lanes for commercial properties. Ultimately, commissioners voted 4-1 to keep the code in place while agreeing to hold future workshops to review potential amendments.
County Vehicle Procurement
Commissioners debated the costs and benefits of leasing county vehicles versus direct purchasing, prompting a review of department fleet policies.
November 2026 Joint Election Administration
Ellis County will run joint elections this November for six local cities and utility districts to save resources and simplify voting.
Master Thoroughfare Plan Amendment for IH-35E and FM 308 Corridor
The county removed a planned road corridor connecting IH-35E and FM 308 because steep drop-offs and flood control structures made building it impractical.
Jail Inmate Food Services Transition
Following Selrico Services' early contract termination, the county re-awarded jail food services to Correctional Food Services, increasing daily meal costs.
Wind and Solar Energy Regulation
Residents voiced concerns over renewable energy projects and battery storage safety during a discussion on a heavy construction road use agreement. Officials clarified that the solar project does not include battery storage units and that the bond ensures road repairs.
Tax Abatement Compliance
County officials discovered that 5 out of 14 active tax abatement agreements are out of compliance due to missing annual reports, prompting warning letters.
Weakley Branch Road Development and Variance
Residents near the proposed Trails at Hidden Creek subdivision raised serious concerns about road stability near a leaking water tank. The court ultimately denied the developer's request to use a substandard road base, siding with county engineers on soil stability.
Midlothian Facility Lease Renewal
The county renewed a two-year lease for the Precinct 4 Constable and Justice of the Peace facility in Midlothian at $13,200 per month while exploring long-term housing solutions.
Precinct 3 Road Rehabilitation
Road and Bridge Precinct 2 declared old equipment surplus, shifted budget funds into repairs, and partnered with the City of Garrett for road improvements.
Veterans Treatment Court Behavioral Health Services
The county terminated its failing contract with TrueCare24 for veterans' mental health assessments and established an open-bid clinician pool to ensure continuous care.
Subdivision Infrastructure Rejections (Ferris Ranch and Erie Meadows)
The county updated its development rules to handle state-mandated 30-day review deadlines by allowing staff to approve small plats and clarifying road standards.
Rezoning
Red Oak just approved a big land rezoning plan to build a brand new data center. It's a major sign of how local tech growth is starting to reshape our neighborhoods.
Quality Growth Initiatives Updates
Ellis County updated its development standards to tighten drainage, erosion control, and paving rules for future construction. These changes aim to better manage stormwater and infrastructure wear as new projects come in.
Election Results
Rodney Anderson just snagged the city council seat, which is a pretty big deal for how things are run in Ellis County. This win flips the council's majority, meaning we’re likely to see some major changes in local policy soon.
Public Safety
A teenager was recently shot near Lake Grove Park and Coleman Elementary, sparking a police investigation. While officials say the area is safe now, it’s a wake-up call to keep your guard up in our local parks.
Political Signage Regulations at County Polling Places
The county established new rules for political signs at polling places to prevent visual clutter and safety hazards, limiting sign sizes, quantities, and placement dates while setting overnight parking rules.
Residential Development
Ellis County is getting a massive 2,700-acre neighborhood called 'Lakesong' that’s going to change the local landscape. It’s a huge project that will bring in tons of new residents, putting real pressure on our schools and roads.
County Comprehensive Insurance Renewal
The county approved a nearly $1.89 million insurance renewal with Hibbs Hallmark, reflecting higher premiums and a $100,000 deductible due to recent severe hail and storm claims.
Grand Prairie TERS Participation
The county is considering a tax increment reinvestment zone agreement to help fund infrastructure for a massive new development. The court is cautious about the long-term financial commitment.
Emergency Services Contract
Ellis County’s ambulance provider just bailed on their contract, leaving the area without a primary emergency service. The county is currently scrambling to find a replacement, which could mean slower response times when you need help the most.
Elected Officials Salaries
Ellis County just dropped its proposed salaries and expenses for local elected officials for the upcoming fiscal year. It's your tax dollars at work, so this is your chance to see exactly how much public leaders are getting paid.
Municipal Leadership Turnover
Ennis just fired its City Manager and Police Chief after major questions popped up about how police handle investigations. This massive leadership shuffle means big changes could be coming to your local police department.
City Management Resignation
Ferris's City Manager is quitting, setting up a big shakeup at city hall. The next boss the council picks will steer local policy for a while, so pay attention.
Youth Curfew Enforcement
Waxahachie police are cracking down on youth curfew rules, so make sure your teens are home on time to avoid a run-in with the law. It’s a quick reminder that local ordinances are being actively enforced to keep kids off the streets late at night.
Official Misconduct Investigation
Ellis County Commissioner Matthew Zajic is facing shoplifting charges, and the local DA is handing the case off to an outside prosecutor to keep things fair. It’s a move to avoid any bias while the investigation into the official's conduct plays out.
Police Officer Termination Appeal
The Italy City Council voted 3-2 to officially fire veteran cop Kevin "Blue" Oginski, upsetting locals who loved his community-focused approach. Residents gave the council a hard time over the decision, showing just how popular the officer was in town.