Ennis commission declares Ward 1 vacant, sets Nov. 5 special election

Mayor Cameron Rayburn presided over a special called meeting Wednesday in which the Ennis City Commission accepted the resignation of Ward 1 Commissioner Rowdy Pruitt and approved a resolution declaring the seat vacant and setting a special election for Nov. 5, 2024.

The commission introduced Item D1, described by Rayburn as "a resolution declaring a vacancy in the position of city commissioner ward 1, ordering a special election to be held in the city of Ennis, Texas on 11/05/2024 for the purpose of electing a city commissioner of Ward 1 to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term ending May 2027, and authorizing the mayor and the city secretary to enter into an agreement in contract with the Ellis County Elections Office for Election Services." City Secretary Andrew Wade conducted roll call and the mayor confirmed a quorum.

The mayor read a resignation letter dated Aug. 8, 2024, from Commissioner Rowdy Pruitt to City Secretary Andrew Wade. The letter states in part: "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 transcript used "Venice" in places; the action and meeting records identify the jurisdiction as the city of Ennis.

Commissioner Jones moved to approve Item D1 and Commissioner Watson seconded. Following no discussion, Mayor Rayburn called a voice vote and announced, "The ayes have it and the motion is adopted." The resolution therefore declares the Ward 1 seat vacant and orders the special election, and authorizes the mayor and city secretary to contract with the Ellis County Elections Office for election services. The motion was adopted by voice vote; individual recorded votes were not provided in the meeting transcript.

Commissioner Jones offered brief remarks thanking Pruitt for his service, saying the decision was likely difficult and noting the competing demands of family and business that Pruitt cited in his letter. With no further business, Mayor Rayburn adjourned the meeting at 6:08 p.m.

Next steps: the city will proceed with arrangements for the Nov. 5 special election and the commission or staff may post details about candidate filing deadlines, ballot procedures and any election-related agreements made with Ellis County. Those specifics were not given during the meeting and are not recorded in the transcript.