By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission will hear an update on the real estate valuation trends for 2025 during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Ellis County Appraiser Eugene Rupp will lead the discussion, which will cover the total assessed value between 2024 and 2025, and changes in the median percentage of value.
The median value changed in different areas last year. Agricultural use saw a decrease, residential values increased by 3%, and commercial and industrial values increased by 2.7%.
The total fine value increased by $135,897,500 from 2024 to 2025.
Ellis County road tour
Each year, a commission meeting is scheduled for a tour led by Public Works staff, during which commissioners visit various road and bridge sites throughout Ellis County.
These include projects that have been completed, are currently underway, are listed in the capital improvement plan, or have been newly identified by staff and the commission for review.
Darin Myers, county administrator, will lead the discussion. The 2025 road tour is set for April 30.
AmeriTowne
The commission will hear from Katelyn Schmidt, a Roosevelt Elementary fifth-grade teacher, about the school's role in the AmeriTowne program.
Schmidt will discuss the project-based learning program, which concludes with a field trip where students participate in hands-on, real-world experiences.
She hopes to encourage other schools to adopt the program and attract more community volunteers.
City of Ellis chip seal project
Ellis County Public Works will seek approval to supply labor and equipment to support the city of Ellis’s 2025 chip seal project. The city lacks the resources to complete the work independently.
The city of Ellis will be responsible for material costs, while the county will provide labor, equipment and some materials for work on Washington Street.
Public Safety radio booster installation
Myers will request approval to purchase and install a public safety radio booster in the Administrative Center's basement.
Due to the concrete structure, radio signals are currently inaccessible, creating a significant communication issue for public safety personnel.
Other business items
Commissioners will hear from Myers on the Local Workforce Development Areas One and Two merger.
Ellis County is transitioning into the 2026 budget planning phase. Myers will ask commissioners for approval for the proposed budget calendar.
Brendan Mackay, Public Works director, will ask commissioners to officially vacate the county's right-of-way for a portion of St. Jacobs Street in Catharine.
Former Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson will address the commission about his time with the county and discuss the attorney’s office budget.
You can view the full agenda here.