During the Oct. 15 session the Ellis County Commissioners Court approved several administrative items covering purchasing, grants and employee-retiree benefits.

Purchasing: The court authorized the county judge to execute a lease agreement with American National Leasing for a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 for the purchasing department. The lease includes a $3,500 down payment and a five-year term at a 5.93% interest rate; staff said American National Leasing offered to review county leases later to seek lower rates. Commissioners discussed the changing value of leasing since the COVID-era vehicle supply issues and noted departments should evaluate leasing case-by-case.

Grants and county projects: The court approved submission of a resolution and expense report to apply for the Texas Indigent Defense Commission formula grant (staff explained the county certifies intent to apply; final award amount depends on formula and population). The court also approved a 100%-state-funded application to the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board for repair of Natural Resources Conservation Service flood-control structures; county engineering services to administer the contract would be reimbursed under the grant.

Retiree benefits: The court approved renewal of the county’s retiree Medicare plans for 2026 and directed continuation of the county-retiree cost-share at 50/50. HR reported the plan increases vary by option: Transamerica medical-only rose $19.43, the medical-plus-prescription option rose $33.45, and the Humana Advantage option rose $34.54; 16 retirees participate in the plans (prescription + medical) and 3 in medical-only, per HR.

Interlocal agreement: The court approved an amended interlocal agreement with the City of Midlothian to grant the county exclusive subdivision planning authority in Midlothian’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, subject to final legal review and the city council’s approval. Staff said Midlothian planned city-council consideration Oct. 28 with a possible effective date of Nov. 1; commissioners said similar agreements with other cities may follow.

Votes at a glance: truck lease approved; flood-control grant application approved; indigent defense resolution approved; retiree Medicare renewal approved (50/50 cost-share); interlocal agreement approved subject to legal review and Midlothian council action.