Second floor courtroom of the Historic Courthouse in downtown Waxahachie
Responsibilities
An Ellis County commissioner is one of four elected from a quarter of the county’s population to serve along with the county judge on the Commissioners’ Court. The county commissioner for your Precinct represents it on all issues and actions presented at the Commissioners’ Court.
The commissioner is also responsible for the upkeep of precinct roads and bridges.
Commissioner Services
Sets the yearly property tax rate and approves the budget and employment level for the county
Sets commissioners and justice of the peace precinct boundaries
Calls, conducts, and certifies elections, including bond elections
Sets employment and benefit policy
Establishes long-range thoroughfare, open space, land use, financial and law enforcement / jail needs plans
Acquires property for rights of way or other uses determined to be in the public’s best interest. Reviews and approve subdivision platting and wastewater treatment for rural areas
Provides rural ambulance services and subsidizes rural fire protection
Oversees the construction, maintenance, and improvement of county roads and bridges
Appoints non-elected department heads and standing committees
Supervises and controls the county courthouse, county buildings, and facilities
Adopts a county budget
Determines county tax rates
Fills vacancies in elective and appointive positions
Has authority to authorize contracts in the name of the county