Ellis County elects to operate under Chapter 111 Subchapter C, names interim budget officer

Ellis County's commissioner's court voted to elect to operate under Chapter 111, Subchapter C of the Texas Local Government Code and to create a county budget officer position and department. The minute order sets an effective date of Oct. 1, 2026, for the new structure.

The court debated whether to designate a specific person immediately or to conduct a full, open interview process. The judge said that while a designation is needed to establish the office, the court intended to follow with a full interview process. Commissioner Stinson moved to adopt the minute order naming Eric Test in Section 2 as the budget officer; Commissioner Ponder seconded. "The motion carries 4 to 1," the judge announced after the vote. Commissioners agreed the hiring process would open as soon as practicable and that the incumbent budget specialist (Spencer Berry) could apply during that process.

The minute order describes the budget officer's duties including preparing the annual budget, coordinating with the treasurer and auditor, and reporting to the commissioner's court. The court noted legal advice and that certain legal questions about appointing a specific person would be discussed in executive session.