Ennis adopts $74.2M FY2026 budget and, after reconsideration, raises property tax rate 7.7%

The Ennis City Commission on Sept. 2 approved a $74,227,562 budget for fiscal year 2026 and, following a short recess and a successful reconsideration motion, adopted a property tax rate of 0.680708—an effective 7.7% increase.

Mayor Cameron Rayburn opened the meeting and led ceremonial items before the budget presentation. Director Meeley outlined the proposed fiscal plan, saying staff had trimmed capital rebudgets and proposed staffing changes to focus on core functions and build reserves. The proposed budget reflects reductions tied to a phasing-out of a large “quick fund” allocation and seeks to preserve fund balances while funding priority decision packages.

“Based upon the calculations that I have done, we are more than able to be able to keep our tax rate where it currently is without having to increase it,” Mayor Rayburn said during discussion, adding he would vote against raising the tax rate.

Commissioner Haney moved to approve the FY2026 budget; the motion passed on roll call after debate over fiscal tradeoffs. The initial motion to adopt the proposed tax rate later in the evening failed because the ordinance required a 60% supermajority and the first roll call produced only four votes in favor. The body took a brief recess to contact absent members, reconvened with a full commission present, and voted 6–1 to adopt the tax rate on reconsideration. Mayor Rayburn cast the lone dissent.

Commissioner Pierce, who spoke in favor of the increase, framed the choice as one of funding needed services and infrastructure: “When I saw the packages of staff, FTEs, the list goes on and on ... it’s a clear and obvious choice” to secure additional revenue for operations and near-term needs.

City staff and the city attorney noted statutory requirements: the ordinance includes required disclosure language that illustrates the impact of a tax-rate change on a $100,000 home (statutory example language), and the commission ratified the expected increase in property-tax revenue required under state law.

What passed - FY2026 budget: adopted (motion passed; roll-call recorded during meeting). - Property tax ordinance: adopted as an ordinance setting a rate of 0.680708 (final roll call 6–1; Mayor Rayburn opposed). - Separate ratification ordinance (H3) to confirm the budget raises more property tax revenue than the prior year: approved 6–1.

The commission’s action sets the city’s revenue plan for the coming year and directs staff to implement the adopted budget and tax ordinance; staff said they will continue to pursue investment strategies and review decision-package priorities in the coming months.