Ellis County residents turned out Tuesday to weigh in on the proposed FY2027 budget, and the dominant message from public speakers was opposition — particularly to the tax burden and proposed changes to county administration.
Ellis County Judge John Wray says he will seek an outside audit after a preliminary review found the county may have collected about $20 millions more in tax revenue than it budgeted to spend, raising questions about where the money went.
Ellis County has amended its proposed 2027 budget after an incorrect FY2026 property tax revenue estimate made the projected increase appear substantially larger. The correction changes a major number in the debate, but questions over staffing, new administrative departments and county facilities remain.
Ellis County is proposing no increase in its property tax rate for 2027, but the county still expects to collect nearly 13% more in property taxes. At least one county commissioner is already pushing back on the proposal.
Ellis County is proposing salary and allowance changes for elected officials in FY2027, with most offices receiving modest raises and several positions seeing larger adjustments.
Ellis County’s proposed 2027 budget would increase authorized staffing from 707 to 744 positions while creating two new administrative departments. One of the most striking changes is in juvenile services, where staffing would jump from 36 to 54 positions — a 50% increase that suggests the county is preparing for significantly greater demand for juvenile probation and detention services.
Waxahachie is moving forward with a nearly $928,000 Railyard Park project that will add parking, dedicated food truck spots and shaded seating near downtown.
The Ennis City Commission has approved a $2 million budget amendment to buy and install emergency generators at the city’s Water Treatment Plant — a move required under state law.
Ellis County deputies are getting long-awaited pay increases after county leaders approved the 2026 budget this week.
Ennis residents will see a slight increase in their property taxes this year to support city operations and infrastructure improvements.