By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission accepted the final draft of a community improvement district for Stonewood Estates North Addition during its Tuesday meeting.
A community improvement district is a designated area where property owners agree to pay additional taxes or fees to fund road improvements. Subdivision roads in Ellis County are normally not maintained by the county.
Dominic Eck of Gillmore & Bell said the petition was revised to incorporate updated county road standards that commissioners have discussed in recent months.
The petition includes an estimate of $95 per lot, per month, based on a 10-year tax-exempt bond, for the initial improvements and maintenance.
Homeowners can now begin gathering signatures to move forward with creating an improvement district, which requires approval from two-thirds of property owners.
Eck said the petition is expected to meet this requirement, after which it would return to the commission for adoption of a resolution and scheduling of a public hearing.
Eck said the project would be financed through bond issuance, fully repaid by property owners, rather than county funds.
Commissioners discussed when the road project could begin, given that funding from improvement district assessments will not be available until late this year or early 2027. An exact construction date was not given.
No formal vote was taken.
Septic system grant update
Commissioners received an update on a $50,000 Local Environmental Protection Program septic grant. The program has expanded eligibility requirements for households seeking financial assistance to repair or replace failing septic systems.
Justin Craig, the county’s environmental services director, said the grant covers 75% to 100% of the on-site repair and replacement costs for households with incomes up to 350% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• 300% or below the federal poverty level gets 100% coverage
• 301% to 325% of the federal poverty level gets 85% coverage
• 326% to 350% of the federal poverty level gets 75% coverage
Residents who may qualify can contact the environmental office to begin the application process.
In other business, the board
• Discussed a proposal for a trial tire amnesty day at the county landfill in June.
• Appointed Paul Dreiling to the Joint Planning Commission to fill a term vacancy until June 30
• Ellis County Historical Society provided an update on ongoing initiatives and upcoming events.
• CASA of the High Plains provided an update on its organization, fundraising efforts and future plans to work with local youth.
• Approved the Ellis County Health Department's request to sign an application for three public health grants.
• Approved the 2025 annual noxious weed eradication progress report and the 2026 noxious weed management plan
• The County Appraiser updated the commission that an additional extension request to delay the mailing of real property certified valuation notices from March 16 to March 23 was approved.