Ennis Commission OKs $50,000 increase to incentive for Old Telco Road realignment

The Ennis City Commission on a special-call vote approved a resolution to amend a development incentive agreement with Sonoma Trail Partners, LTD, increasing the city and Ennis Economic Development Corporation (EDC) contribution by up to $50,000 and capping their combined obligation at $150,000.

Mayor Rayburn said the amendment will be recorded as an FY2025 budget adjustment and confirmed any unreimbursed funds can roll into the next fiscal year tied to the capital project. City staff told commissioners the original incentive, approved in December 2024, was $100,000 on a reimbursement basis and that final design work revealed additional costs that prompted the developer’s request for more city/EDC support.

The staff presentation showed the Old Telco Road alignment where it meets State Highway 34 and explained the realignment aims to reduce a sharp angle at the intersection and to coordinate access with a planned large retail development. Staff estimated the total project at about $226,000, warned final bids could change the cost, and said the city’s and EDC’s shares together would be capped at $150,000 even if total costs exceed $300,000.

Commissioner Jones criticized the recurring pattern of redesigns that increase project costs, saying, "we're getting in a habit of designing stuff and then coming back and redesigning it and redesigning it again." Staff responded that the developer provided the initial concept plan, that the city now holds final approved plans and that the design will not change further.

Mayor Rayburn and other commissioners pressed staff about pedestrian access and ADA compliance, noting frequent sidewalk discontinuities around the city and pointing to plan images that appeared to lack pedestrian ramps at a key intersection. "My preference is that we have walkability in the city, and that we have connectivity," Rayburn said, adding that ADA compliance is required and is the guidepost for construction. Staff said ADA-compliant tie-ins will be provided on site and that the project estimate includes room to complete required ADA elements without seeking additional funds beyond the proposed amendment.

A commissioner asked about the State Highway 34 widening and whether the city should coordinate timing to avoid duplicative work; staff said they would contact TxDOT and bring back an update. After discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Biswell moved to approve the resolution, a motion seconded by Commissioner Fakobock. The mayor called the vote, heard the ayes and declared the motion adopted.

The commission adjourned the special meeting at 5:51 p.m. and announced it will reconvene for a budget workshop at 6:00 p.m.