Ennis City Commission sets FY25 tax-rate notice at 0.664 per $100; schedules hearings

The Ennis City Commission voted on Aug. 6 to set a proposed property tax rate of 0.664 per $100 of taxable value for public notice and hearing as part of the FY25 budget process.

Staff presented the third‑quarter financial picture and said certified property valuations came in below preliminary estimates, creating an approximate shortfall of about $700,000. The staff presentation showed the general fund budgeted revenue at $28,400,000, with 88% collected through the third quarter, and general fund expenditures at 72% of budget. The presenter told the commission the city could either raise the tax rate to cover programmed items or reduce one‑time requests and maintain service levels while keeping the current rate. “We budgeted 28,400,000. Through the 3rd quarter, the city had collected 88% of that budgeted revenue,” the staff presenter said.

Mayor Pro Tem Isbell moved to adopt the resolution setting the tax rate for publication and public hearing; Commissioner Haney seconded. After questions from commissioners about generating additional revenue via auctions and water‑funding implications, the commission adopted the motion and then took a record vote. Mayor Cameron Rayburn said the record should show the intention to set the resolution at “0.664 per $100 of valuation,” maintaining the FY24 tax rate into FY25 for public notice.

Why it matters: the adopted rate begins the formal notice and hearing process required under Texas law and frames deliberations that will culminate in final budget and tax‑rate votes later this summer. Staff told commissioners a public hearing is scheduled as part of the budget calendar and the final vote on the budget and tax rate is set for Sept. 3.

Next steps: staff will publish the required notices and hold the public hearing; the commission is scheduled to vote on the final budget and tax rate on Sept. 3.