Ennis City Commission set to vote on $1.018M lead service line replacement; FY 2027 budget proposals total $5.97M
The Ennis City Commission is scheduled to vote July 21 on a $1,018,055.00 contract for a Lead Service Line Replacement project, the largest single-dollar item on this week's agenda. Earlier, on July 7, commissioners reviewed proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget requests totaling $5.97 million across multiple funds. Minutes for recent meetings have not yet been published, so outcomes of those discussions are not confirmed.
City Commission: FY 2027 budget and upcoming contracts
The July 7 agenda listed budget decision packages from several funds, including the General Fund, Economic Development Fund, and Water & Sewer Fund. Specific one-time requests included $275,000 for a Fire replacement brush truck, $300,000 for a Water & Sewer replacement blower for the digester, $300,000 for a Public Works bucket truck, and $200,000 for library parking lot improvements. A recurring request of $390,102 would fund four police officers.
The July 21 City Commission agenda includes several resolutions: a City Manager base salary increase, renewal of OpenGov cloud software up to $173,406.63, the $1,018,055.00 lead service line replacement bid award, and a $45,000 amendment to the FY 2026 budget for downtown events. Commissioners will also receive the Charter Review Committee's presentation on proposed charter amendments and consider appointments to city boards.
Planning and Zoning: 124-acre zoning change proposed
On July 13, the Planning and Zoning Commission was scheduled to hold a public hearing on a zoning change for a 124.289-acre tract at 2200 Country Club Road. The request would rezone the property from Agricultural (A) and Single-Family Residential District – 10 (R-10) to Planned Development (PD) for the Tranquility Subdivision, which would include 86 lots. The commission was also set to consider a final plat for Phase 3B of the Prairie View Subdivision at Lakeview Drive & Liska Road, covering 160 residential lots and 4 common area lots.
Charter Review Committee moves toward final recommendations
The Charter Review Committee met July 9 to vote on proposed amendments to Home Rule Charter Articles 9–12. On July 15, the committee was scheduled to finalize recommended charter amendments for presentation to the City Commission and discuss informational materials for voters. A July 21 notice indicates a quorum of the committee may be present at the City Commission meeting, though no official action will be taken by the committee at that time.
Other boards and commissions
- **Keep Ennis Beautiful Board** (July 13): Discussed changing its regular meeting date and time, a guided nature walk at Kachina Prairie with Indian Trail Master Naturalists, a seasonal tree maintenance event at IOOF at Fairview, and a July 25 litter and beautification event.
- **Ennis Public Library Advisory Board** (July 14): Considered approval of the Library Strategic Plan and reviewed library statistics and upcoming programs.
- **Parks and Recreation Board** (July 15): Received park project updates and a recreation report, and discussed upcoming downtown events.
- **Kaufman Development District Board** (July 16): Discussed forming a sub-committee to develop facade grant guidelines and reviewed a June financial report.
Coming up
- **July 20 — Historic Landmark Commission**: Five residential modification requests, including a 712 sq ft detached garage at 403 N Preston St. (Fain House), 16 window replacements at 712 W Knox St., and cedar privacy fence replacement at 605 N Preston St. (E.K. Atwood House).
- **July 21 — Crime Control and Prevention District Board**: Vote on adopting the FY 2027 Crime Control Plan and budget. The agenda includes a tax impact statement estimating $1,759.57 for a median-valued homestead if the budget is adopted, versus $1,651.41 at the no-new-revenue rate.
- **July 21 — City Commission**: Votes on the lead service line contract, OpenGov renewal, City Manager salary increase, and $45,000 downtown events budget amendment.