[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6617526,"mediaKeyId","2842271-a88d9df274d264e77a73412e144f8ae8","parentId",2842271,"title","Ellis County adopts FY2026 budget calendar; officials flag pending state legislation that could cut mid-point revenue","audioSeconds",216,"startMs",754000,"endMs",970000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842271-a88d9df274d264e77a73412e144f8ae8&start=754&end=970","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842271-a88d9df274d264e77a73412e144f8ae8/thumbnail_754000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6617526/Ellis-County/Texas/Ellis-County-adopts-FY2026-budget-calendar-officials-flag-pending-state-legislation-that-could-cut-mid-point-revenue","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617526-8560b8684a6622a06613f79c0a67237d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770744405&Signature=aPV00GTBRlPhWojpIH3XHvlRAnx7PuKMlROrN4-jjJepVX85LlFHjsZpde4mml1r5X4euhIH~TG4zQDNcs8x-Eu-RXpiD2fnlhwrH2BJXdSDB~wYKbUs-Q3R45sdNtihHPY3Ak34ZpKShudGm9TU3hw4sROSDXH2TmmmBDIXMrfHyiirby6UebKTa48VvQ1dmRbl7mmaEthYVgh4uOCgnHLDm0yo3I1pstEDp8ct39PT2KEoaXk9fF0tJ1r5TsX2Xjy495GAmDI02t5pT8d4RAxMgPjVkdlYEZgBhX4v6XtQRbaW2SOCxcNLaaiBGIdmsBfXvJLk9WkC2lTNRD3G0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ellis","date","2025-04-01T00:00:00Z","article","Ellis County Commissioners Court approved the fiscal year 2026 budget calendar April 1, setting a schedule of department deadlines, budget workshops and public hearings while staff warned that pending state legislation could alter the county's revenue-collection options.

Ryan Garrett, the county's chief of staff, presented the proposed calendar. Key dates include distribution of budget packets to departments on April 15, department responses due May 20, budget workshops beginning in May and an anticipated file date for the proposed budget of August 11 with a public hearing scheduled Aug. 19. The court approved the calendar and removed tentative highlight notations, authorizing staff to publish the schedule.

Garrett and the County Judge told commissioners they are tracking legislation in the Texas Legislature, including a bill from Senator Bettencourt's office that could prohibit counties from using a midpoint or \"voter approval\" revenue-collection rate without a 66 2/3 percent voter approval. County staff estimated the county collected roughly $3.1 million last year by using the midpoint between the no-new-revenue rate and the voter-approval tax rate; if the legislation passes it could reduce available revenue compared with current practice.

\"Depending on that legislation, that would not allow us to take a midpoint rate, which could cost us here locally,\" the County Judge said. Staff said the legislature is expected to advance discussions before May 15, which is shortly before the county's budget hearings and could provide clarity.

Why it matters: The budget calendar sets the internal and public schedule for FY2026 budget preparation and hearings. Potential changes to the state law governing how local governments compute voter-approval rates would affect tax rate decisions and available revenues.

What’s next: The court adopted the calendar and directed staff to proceed with the timeline; staff will report legislative developments and adjust budget planning if required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ellis - Commissioners Court - Apr 01, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Commissioners Court approved the fiscal year 2026 budget calendar and heard staff warn that pending state legislation could prevent collection of the voter-approval midpoint rate and reduce local revenue by roughly $3.1 million compared with last year.","taxTitle","Ellis County, Texas","taxId",20431,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617530,"Ellis County approves Tasers, roof repairs, Courthouse renovation contract and development plat; declares two Road & Bridge trucks surplus",190,480000,670000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842271-a88d9df274d264e77a73412e144f8ae8&start=480&end=670","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842271-a88d9df274d264e77a73412e144f8ae8/thumbnail_480000.jpg","/articles/6617530/Ellis-County/Texas/Ellis-County-approves-Tasers-roof-repairs-Courthouse-renovation-contract-and-development-plat-declares-two-Road-Bridge-trucks-surplus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617530-5ed7747191488384da02389c6527d70d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770744405&Signature=XEn~zBveMgRWD~x2nUnxJcahwbinez33kRG9VMnnGEQyU9wDiDPdVb4nOYv18qsY2P0A-~NMY6QC3q2xNGSjiPPRtkA978qMNwc5Rt6duNrQQClSxMSccVG~tIfGXw2~qc-BiexdpXlVQswKmtk-aaqpNjWFynWrNnEHs1i8f9zbdgKBfTOBSiuwXvsiBQ79Aet3Iy-E39ukmWuft9BS1KvVeYhQXHwRoDki20xwkZN99S2xKHRwmLIQf-H7VTUAvAZLqB~3ipTqxCI2jktnte~yt~zLdcLcpqTpPyWW6VMS54HgrHSWPGbRN4AQ7~ZJi5NmsdHSz15~hc14Di-NqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ellis County Commissioners Court approved a group of routine and capital items April 1, including equipment for the county jail, roof replacements on county buildings, a renovation contract for the Courts and Administration Building, a one-lot plat and the surplus designation of two Road & Bridge trucks.

Key votes at a glance

- TASERs for Ellis County Jail (Agenda item 2.1): The court approved purchase of 35 TASER 7 units from Axon Enterprise Inc. for $168,336 through the Sourcewell cooperative. The payment schedule in the quoted five-year arrangement calls for an initial payment of $32,000 due June 2025 and four additional annual payments of $34,084 through 2029. The purchase will be budgeted across the five-year payment schedule; the initial payment is budgeted in the 2025 fiscal year.

- Surplus declaration for Road & Bridge Precinct 4 vehicles (Agenda item 2.2): The court declared two vehicles (a 1996 International tractor and a 1995 Peterbilt truck 377) as surplus to be disposed of in accordance with Local Government Code Chapter 263 and directed staff to place the items for auction or appropriate disposal. Commissioners said the vehicles are being returned under a program and will be destroyed if not suitable for sale.

- Roof replacements (Agenda item 2.4): The court approved a contract with Prime Source Construction Inc., using the TIPS cooperative, for replacement of roofs at the Sheriff’s Office training center, the Juvenile Services Building and the Record Storage Building for $441,150, with the county paying $30,000 in deductibles across the buildings and staff requesting a 7% contingency in case of uncovered structural repairs. The roofs replace existing standing seam panels and the county will seek supplemental insurance adjustments for any additional storm-related damages.

- Courts and Administration Building renovation (Agenda item 2.5): The court approved authorizing the County Judge to execute a contract with The Christman Company to renovate the Courts and Administration Building for $3,127,655, with a contingency requested by staff (contingency percentage discussed during the item). The court approved staff authority to finalize and execute the contract upon return of the final contract document.

- Stevenson Estates plat (Agenda item 1.1): The court ratified staff action and approved the plat for Stevenson Estates Lot 1, Block A, a 6.036-acre site located about 5,240 feet southwest of McAlpin Road and FM 875 in the Richard Roll survey, Precinct 3. Approval included two conditions: remove Dunn Road from the vicinity map and provide a 10-foot roadway dedication along FM 875.

What the court said

EJ Harbin, the county purchasing agent, presented the Tasers purchase and described included items such as holsters, cartridges, battery packs and necessary licenses. \"The agreement provides Tasers with close quarters and standoff capabilities, holsters, cartridges, battery packs, and all necessary licenses,\" Harbin said.

Alberto Modica, Director of Development, said the Stevenson Estates plat satisfied an earlier planning-delay variance granted by Midlothian and recommended approval subject to staff conditions.

Eric Brown of Prime Source Roofing described the roof replacement as a full panel replacement with gutters and fascia and said the contractor would assist with insurance supplements if additional storm damage is found during tear-off.

Procedural notes and funding

The TASER purchase was presented as a five-year payment plan and the court recorded approval with no roll-call tallies given in the public minutes. Roof replacements will use insurance proceeds and county funds for deductibles; the Christman Company contract is contingent on final document review and execution by the county judge. Surplus vehicle disposals were referenced to Local Government Code Chapter 263 for disposition.

What’s next: Staff will finalize contracts, execute the Tasers purchase per the cooperative agreement, place surplus vehicles for auction or disposal as directed, and proceed with roof replacements upon insurance and contractor coordination. The Christman Company contract will be executed following final reviews and return of the contract document to the county.","The commissioners court approved multiple procurement and capital items April 1: purchase of TASER 7 devices for the jail, roof replacements on three county buildings, a contract for renovation of the Courts and Administration Building, approval of a one-lot plat, and declaration of two Road & Bridge vehicles as surplus for disposal.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617535,"Ellis County names Zachary Garich as county engineer starting May 1 at $144,000",47,2678000,2725000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842271-a88d9df274d264e77a73412e144f8ae8&start=2678&end=2725","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842271-a88d9df274d264e77a73412e144f8ae8/thumbnail_2678000.jpg","/articles/6617535/Ellis-County/Texas/Ellis-County-names-Zachary-Garich-as-county-engineer-starting-May-1-at-144000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617535-9fa610c5a70e19417cc236313f5a7cef/orig.mp4?Expires=1770744405&Signature=ZPasRocEpLlPufxMnhEQLGuK0hYGAL3aS6NMIFn1wcl9O7BseNGx-x7MnrEghWd14ki8aVniZ41nBuMuot3jhhOMA9II6Gw6iRfvowEuk2cOOWYFGJbMrJmtbCrUXjE37rDtuWl8E3QCgvvO3Vmv2jp7MhiMgwfXnk76n~GFLgViRxkODUeLht1hP-52xH~QwNSy~Lx77tHEi7Num~GrY9zXSEeAdLBtxTReoA6boHgDfTGSodU5jFFLTMzm-oCjdsLQh7iWmIJZNZ-FvHTGjx48B~sRgqtMFahd5Aq256o120s1dkXnbSG3RC7qBFR2czEistWpMsweCqFRxOAhVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ellis County Commissioners Court voted April 1 to appoint Zachary Garich as the county engineer with a start date of May 1 and an annual salary of $144,000, the court said.

Following executive-session interviews, the County Judge moved to appoint Garich and Commissioner Ponder seconded the motion. The court called for the vote and recorded unanimous approval by voice. \"Congratulations, Zack. Good day. So you May 1,\" a court member said.

Why it matters: The county engineer oversees engineering review, public works coordination and capital projects. The court said Garich's salary is budgeted and provided the May 1 start date at the approved amount.

Procedural notes: The selection followed interviews conducted in executive session earlier in the meeting; the court returned to open session and announced the appointment with no further qualifying conditions recorded.

What’s next: Garich will begin his duties May 1; staff did not provide additional onboarding details at the meeting.","After interviews in executive session, the Commissioners Court appointed Zachary Garich as Ellis County Engineer with a May 1 start date and salary of $144,000, as budgeted.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617540,"Ellis County sets policy: state employees who transfer to county start as new hires for leave accrual",548,1030000,1578000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842271-a88d9df274d264e77a73412e144f8ae8&start=1030&end=1578","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842271-a88d9df274d264e77a73412e144f8ae8/thumbnail_1030000.jpg","/articles/6617540/Ellis-County/Texas/Ellis-County-sets-policy-state-employees-who-transfer-to-county-start-as-new-hires-for-leave-accrual","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617540-5f60fa4d5f91732ad16498a3cd7ee105/orig.mp4?Expires=1770744405&Signature=U25bDkHg7YR3QhghkGQAcDDu7csngKuFy75ESWHREapSud8sGEgRZvCTj0CTC3cL4d33uMb8j0v5dbBLiYZ-NNknJl~75lkVKxhonMKUAp-fmWL0fwRzTiTKz2JGXvF6pzIUB~VteCSx6C5mCcgEQAakRKpQTZtM7NJZE4KvlaT5hu00JJ5xKbgyvRVkZ09NT7hNgejIqqSRXjARuaQM6d7dKV-y-IE~VXXcasST-wkqVXp61i6ijsySz9tsgO5MVNoq5Z1QJtRC9YNj~NoEy4dFmmgO9tJEIlwelLkWnirnBiFYkYNoTxVnFugL3nmPU~bUZLrBmfBTRIJzFVxk-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ellis County Commissioners Court voted April 1 to formalize a policy that employees transferring from local state offices to county employment will be treated as new hires for purposes of leave accrual; the court approved the change unanimously.

Chief of Staff Ryan Garrett told the court the practice had been an \"unwritten policy\" in which termination paperwork from the state was processed and the state paid out accrued unused leave when an employee separated from the state to take a county position. Garrett asked the court for direction on whether incoming state employees should retain prior years of service for county leave accruals.

Commissioners discussed budget and equity implications. One commissioner said giving credit for years worked at a state office would create a recurring liability to county taxpayers and could encourage more frequent transfers. \"If you provide a benefit like that, you're gonna see more activity than has ever happened,\" a commissioner said.

Kimberly Sanchez, director of County Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD), told the court that when someone transfers from county employment to CSCD they are treated as a new employee and must wait a year before using leave. \"So it would be fair if they were transitioning from the state to the county to do the same treatment, right?\" she said.

A motion carried to adopt the policy: state-to-county transfers will be processed so the state pays out any accrued unused leave and employees will begin county service without credit for prior state accruals; they will accrue leave under county rules as a new hire.

What the decision does not change: The court did not alter retirement credit rules or determine whether TCDRS (the county retirement system) gives service credit for prior state employment. Officials said those retirement questions are governed by the retirement plan and not the court's personnel policy.

What’s next: County staff will quantify fiscal impact if needed and return analysis to the court; commissioners asked staff to determine customary reciprocal practices for county-to-state transfers.","The commissioners court voted to formalize a policy treating transfers from local state offices to county employment as new hires for vacation and sick-leave accrual; termination paperwork and payout of accrued leave from the state will still be processed.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617545,"Ellis County judge to leave; court approves application, interview process for replacement",409,1679000,2088000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842271-a88d9df274d264e77a73412e144f8ae8&start=1679&end=2088","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842271-a88d9df274d264e77a73412e144f8ae8/thumbnail_1679000.jpg","/articles/6617545/Ellis-County/Texas/Ellis-County-judge-to-leave-court-approves-application-interview-process-for-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617545-68ddfd7cf613f2a721e07492fc78b90a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770744405&Signature=I1Wpl2cuQep0QbWQB00RZs~xGp6tgH7xe3GTcp2Q1PAFLF-SAv5WOWzPIBy0pXmbi7Tctv7gVZ6XTazKFF6ziaV7~8JKiyaSfPf907BuULdfDR2ErimpL7dJQg2BmWGivflNpz5hdElX~Me96onAvD55PIK~yeGaHmIea1greXyet4NNSazTo40cP6YBO58FI2AnKmGAYJWX~SiaT6zwLNR3uzpF4tGAhSZ~w62loUAyorvj5Oapi1E~AyU3195yQOPaGupfBRvqBe2i~Fmh~lpw~7sTMsL1uISl42N~V2YXSanndrdQygrEacI07ri3-UOA6vUTYx1fSmZPAumYtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The County Judge of Ellis County announced April 1 that he has accepted a position as executive director of the North Central Texas Council of Governments and will vacate the county bench after beginning the new job; the court approved a process to solicit applications and interview candidates for an appointment to fill the vacancy.

The judge (name not specified in the meeting transcript), speaking to the Commissioners Court, said he expects to begin the new role May 15 and that he intends to remain to complete the county budget before his departure. \"It's my intention to stay on and complete that budget,\" he said. The judge said he would not vote on his own replacement once he announces an official vacancy date.

Why it matters: Under Texas law the commissioners court appoints a replacement when a county judge's seat becomes vacant between elections. The court moved to post a job announcement for 7–10 days, accept applications, interview finalists in executive session as needed and then hold a public vote to appoint a replacement when the vacancy occurs.

County Chief of Staff Ryan Garrett described the process the court has used for prior appointed positions: post the announcement for 7–10 days, screen applicants, interview a short list and then make a selection in open session once legal requirements are satisfied. \"That process has worked for us in the past,\" Garrett said.

Legal staff advised that a commissioner who applies for the judgeship would ordinarily need to recuse from the appointment vote; the court noted a quorum of three voting commissioners remains sufficient to make the appointment if another member recuses.

The court unanimously approved a motion to proceed with posting a job announcement, with Human Resources and legal reviewing the posting language prior to publication. The judge said he will provide the court a firm vacancy date once onboarding at the regional council of governments is finalized.

The judge said the job offer is a personal and professional opportunity; he thanked court staff and department heads and said he looks forward to maintaining a working relationship with Ellis County in his new regional role.

What’s next: The court directed staff to prepare a job posting and timeline (7–10 days for applications), to circulate the posting to the court for review and to document the process in email. When the judge provides a firm vacancy date the court will schedule any necessary special meeting to make an appointment.","The County Judge announced plans to accept a regional position and the Commissioners Court approved a public application and interview process to appoint a successor when the vacancy is declared.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ellis County adopts FY2026 budget calendar; officials flag pending state legislation that could cut mid-point revenue

Ellis County approves Tasers, roof repairs, Courthouse renovation contract and development plat; declares two Road & Bridge trucks surplus

Ellis County names Zachary Garich as county engineer starting May 1 at $144,000

Ellis County sets policy: state employees who transfer to county start as new hires for leave accrual

Ellis County judge to leave; court approves application, interview process for replacement