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Ennis City Commission declares Ward 1 vacancy, orders Nov. 5 special election
Summary
The Ennis City Commission unanimously adopted a resolution declaring a vacancy in the Ward 1 commissioner seat after receiving a resignation letter from Commissioner Rowdy Pruitt and ordered a special election for Nov. 5, 2024 to fill the unexpired term through May 2027.
The Ennis City Commission voted to declare a vacancy in the Ward 1 commissioner seat and ordered a special election for Nov. 5, 2024 to fill an unexpired term ending May 2027.
Mayor Cameron Rayburn introduced Item D-1, saying the resolution would declare the vacancy, set the special election date and authorize the mayor and city secretary to enter a contract with the Ellis County Elections Office for election services. Commissioner Jones moved to approve the resolution and Commissioner Watson seconded.
Mayor Rayburn read a resignation letter dated Aug. 8, 2024 signed by Commissioner Rowdy Pruitt. The letter states, "due to an increase in demands for my business and family obligations, I have decided that it would be in the best interest of my constituents for me to step down from my position as City of Ennis commissioner Ward 1. Please accept this letter as my formal notice of resignation effective on this date, 08/08/2024." The mayor presented the letter as the basis for declaring the vacancy.
With no discussion, the mayor took a voice vote and announced that "the ayes have it" and the motion was adopted. The transcript records a voice vote; no roll-call tally or recorded individual votes appear in the record.
The resolution orders the Nov. 5 special election for the purpose of electing a city commissioner for Ward 1 to serve the remainder of the term through May 2027 and authorizes execution of an agreement with the Ellis County Elections Office for election services. The commission did not provide further details in the meeting about candidate filing deadlines, election costs, or how the vacancy will be administered beyond the authorization to contract with the county elections office.
The meeting also included brief community announcements: a commissioner said Barbell Lake is open; the commission announced a blood drive scheduled Aug. 31 at the Blue Bonnet Center; and the mayor reminded the public of a streets workshop at 9 a.m. on Saturday in the commission chambers.
The commission adjourned at 6:08 p.m.
