Ennis moves to post notice of intent for up to $40 million in certificates of obligation; utility component still under review

The Ennis City Commission on Tuesday authorized staff to post a notice of intent to issue certificates of obligation not to exceed $40,000,000, a step that allows city staff and financial advisers to begin the bonding process while final project scopes and utility‑funding options are clarified.

City Manager Marty Nelson told the commission that the proposed $40 million package is split evenly: $20 million for general capital projects and $20 million for utility capital projects, including a planned expansion of the water plant. "The notice of intention can still be approved while the staff and our financial adviser and the folks that are working on our utility fee study determine whether or not there are options to go ahead and issue enough debt from the utility fund to at least get the water plant upgraded and expanded," Nelson said.

Nelson emphasized that approving the notice of intent is not the same as approving specific projects or issuing bonds. The notice establishes a not‑to‑exceed amount and enables staff to develop a menu of projects for the governing body to select later. Commissioner discussion stressed prioritizing critical infrastructure such as streets and the public‑works facility; Nelson said project selection will occur later and the governing body will decide which projects to fund.

The commission approved the notice by voice vote. Staff said additional data from the utility rate study should be available in a matter of weeks and will inform whether the full $20 million utility component is practical or needs to be scaled back.

Next steps: staff and the city's financial adviser will finalize options and present recommended project selections and pricing for the commission to consider before final bond authorization.