John Wray

Commercial Fire Code Standards and Permit Fees

Commercial permit fees increased from $250 to approximately $1,250 for a 5,000 square foot building, impacting new business construction costs.

Regional Animal Shelter Development

The county has committed $15 million from a Compass donation; a three-entity shelter is estimated at about $30 million, and commissioners are wary of added taxpayer costs.

Local Provider Participation Program Hospital Rate Setting

Generates hospital-backed funds to draw down federal matching grants at zero cost to the county general fund.

Facility Planning

$15 million lump sum donation from Compass Data Centers for shelter construction.

Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget & Tax Rate

Will shape all county services, departmental funding, and potential tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year.

Rescission of County Outdoor Burn Ban

Reduces potential emergency response burdens associated with unmanaged fires.

Creation of County Administrator and Budget Officer Positions

Funded through the FY2027 budget with an administrator, assistant administrator, and coordinator.

Drainage Master Plan

Funded through previously budgeted line items.

Retiree Health Insurance Premium Absorption

County expenditures for retiree health insurance increase by approximately $5,000 annually, totaling $69,656.10.

Rocket Ranch MUD Wastewater Discharge Permit

Impacts private development costs and county legal expenditures regarding utility district oversight.

Sheriff Office Lobby Space Expansion

Cost covered by approved bids, funded via department or capital allocations.

residential development

Allows for property development and potential increase in tax base, while conditions aim to mitigate negative impacts.

Road material supply reliability

Contracts replace those expiring November 15; multi-vendor awards protect against fuel surcharge-driven delays and price swings.

Grand Prairie TERS Participation

The county could potentially contribute millions in tax increments over 10-30 years, though it is projected to retain significantly more in total tax revenue.

Historical Tax Revenue Variances and Prospective Audit

Generates $90,239,349 in total revenue, reflecting a $7 million revenue increase from growth.

Courthouse Facility Improvements

Reallocates $967,700 within the current fiscal year budget without raising new revenue.

County Vehicle Procurement

Leasing decisions impact departmental budgets by thousands of dollars in interest and vehicle price premiums.

Wind and Solar Energy Regulation

Secures developer-funded bonds at $318,535.87 per mile for potential road repairs.

Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District 2024 Report

Highlights regional water management and grant funding opportunities such as rainwater harvesting rebates.

Jail Medical Services

Estimated around $5 million annually, potentially saving millions compared to private vendor proposals.

Consent agenda (A1–A8, F1–F3)

Variance — road frontage, parcel 178763 (Blue Bonnet Lane, Palmer ETJ)

Variance — lot size, setback, OSSF, parcel 186765 (Fair Road/Maywood Lane)

Replat — El Ranchito D. Toto, Lots 2A and 2B, Block A

Variance — road frontage, parcel 279951 (Jen Road/FM 1181)

Replat — Bagger Lee Addition, Lot 1R, Lots 3 and 4, Block A

Replat — Emerald Forest Section One, Lots 2R and 4R, Block 1

Replat — Matthews Estate, Lot 2A, Block A

Variance — road frontage, parcel 187371 (Angus Road/Bauckham Road)

Variance — front setback encroachment, parcel 157557 (Johnston Road)

Replat — Yale Farms First Installment, Lots 4R1 and 4R2

Release performance bonds — Jordan Meadows

Replat — Highland Crossing, Lots 1R, 1R1, 1R2, Block 1

Final plat — Oak Creek Ranch Phase Two

Network monitoring system renewal (CPO 5687, Flare Data)

Bid award RFB 2026-008 — crushed concrete and riprap

Bid award RFB 2026-007 — crushed limestone aggregates

Bid award RFB 2026-010 — liquid emulsified asphalt

Regional Animal Control Center partnership (Waxahachie/Ennis)

Adjournment

Denial of Request to Revoke Ellis County Fire Code Adoption

Creation of Office of Budget Management and Appointment of Interim Budget Officer

Establishment of Office of County Administration

Adoption of Tax Rate for Tax Year 2026 (Item 3.1)

Approval of Conforming Budget Corrections (Minute Order 305.26)

I MOVE THAT THE PROPERTY TAX RATE BE INCREASED BY THE ADOPTION OF A TAX RATE OF M&O TAX RATE .246746, I&S TAX RATE OF .009041, AND AN FM TAX RATE OF .017713, WHICH IS EFFECTIVELY A 6.05% INCREASE IN T

Ratification of Property Tax Increase for FY 2027 Budget

Adoption of Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

APPROVING THE FY2027 BUDGET.

Purchase of 2026 Ford F-250 for Road and Bridge Precinct 2

Set Salaries and Allowances for Elected Officials

Recused himself from the vote.

Proposed Tax Rate for Tax Year 2026

Motion to keep all elected official salaries and allowances flat with the exception of the Sheriff and four (4) Constables

Motion to approve the following proposed tax rate for Tax Year 2026

Adoption of Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

Adoption of Tax Year 2025 Property Tax Rate

Wooded Creek Infrastructure Acceptance and Bond Release