EYES ON ELLIS COUNTY (August 28, 2025)

ALMA

The City of Alma police made an arrest last week when during a traffic stop the individual evaded the officer on foot, tampered with evidence by attempting to destroy a glass pipe and was in possession of a controlled substance. The suspect was transported to the Ellis County Detention Center in Waxahachie.

BARDWELL

Trash rates are being increased in the City of Bardwell on August 2025 billing cycle. It will now be at a rate of $16.86 a month.

CEDAR HILL

On Sept. 9, the Cedar Hill City Council will take action on its proposed FY2025-2026 budget, which includes a recommendation for a reduction in the property tax rate to $0.636449 per $100 valuation. According to the city’s website, the proposed budget maintains the services infrastructure, and amenities that are the foundation to everyday life in Cedar Hill for $5.74 per day for the average homeowner.

ENNIS

The City of Ennis proposed budget for the fiscal 2025/2026 will raise more total property taxes than last year’s budget by $2,185,820 or 10% and of that amount $437,795 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year.

FERRIS

The City of Ferris announced last week Chick-fil-A will begin serving the community with its special pop-up service starting Tuesday, August 26 and continuing every Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 100 Town Plaza in Ferris.

GARRETT

Did you know the city of Garrett is part of the Ennis ISD school district?

GRAND PRAIRIE

The Grand Prairie City Council recently recognized Poly America for their generous land donation, which has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of the Luckett Community Garden since its inception in February 2002. The Luckett Community Garden is located on land leased to the city for a nominal fee of $1 per decade.

GLENN HEIGHTS

The City of Glenn Heights City Council General Election will be held on November 4 for the seats of Mayor and Council Member Places 2, 4, and 6.

ITALY

According to the Italy ISD website, the 2025-2026 four-day instructional week school calendar has been approved.

MAYPEARL

Reminder to speak up if you have an opinion. The Maypearl City Council voted positively for the initial approval to move city elections from May to November each year. The final vote will be held at the September City Council meeting.

MIDLOTHIAN

TxDOT permanently closed the crossover on US Hwy. 287 at Lakeview Drive on Sunday,  Aug.  17 in Midlothian. This project will also include adding an acceleration lane at Davis Road at 287 and widening at the SH360 SB on-ramp to 287. The work is part of TxDOT’s ongoing crossover removal project on 287 that is intended to increase the safety of the highway.

MILFORD

The City of Milford will be holding Town Hall meetings every third Wednesday of the month at the Milford Community Center allowing the community to learn about the city’s latest updates and ask questions.

OAK LEAF

Oak Leaf is looking for committed residents willing to volunteer a few hours of their time each month to serve on a board or commission. Positions are available on the Board of Adjustment, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Board and the Economic Development Corporation Board.

OVILLA

Blackboard Connect is the City of OVILLA’s city-to-resident/BUSINESS notification service.

The service offers information about time-sensitive issues such as severe weather, waterline disruptions, office closings, upcoming events, etc., and is communicated to citizens in a timely manner through the service. Subscribers may be notified by messages distributed by telephone voice, text message, and/or email message.

Call Ovilla Police Chief Joey Bennett for more information (972) 617-7262.

PALMER

Last week, the Palmer ISD adopted a tax rate that will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate.

PECAN HILL

The City of Pecan Hill held its Budget & Tax Rate Workshop last week along with a public hearing to set the new rates for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

RED OAK

The Red Oak Area Chamber will host an in-depth Texas Cottage Law Update, presented by Heartland Cookies & Treats, and in partnership with the City of Glenn Heights. The two-hour seminar will feature Kelley Masters, the Founder and Board President of Homemade Texas, and one of the most prominent Cottage Law Advocate in Texas. The event will be held at the Glenn Heights Community Center on Sept,  5.

WAXAHACHIE

Congratulations to the City of Waxahachie, it celebrated its 175th Birthday Bash last Friday commemorating the city’s storied past and vibrant present. The festivities took place in the heart of Waxahachie at Railyard Park.

If you have news briefs for any of these cities/towns (resident, business or city) please send to rcook13@earthlink.net so we can share the news.