January 2025

Bill Spinks wspinks@cherryroad.com Ellis County may soon be updating its 9-1-1 system to better respond to emergency calls. In its first meeting of 2025, the Ellis County Commissioners’ Court on Tuesday approved a non-binding resolution of support for an upgrade to the county’s 9-1-1 system. The enhancement would allow first responders to identify unsuccessful callers during disasters and mass-calling events, as well as to issue timely alerts to public officials, policymakers and first responders. County Judge Todd Little recounted a Dec. 12 workshop in which commissioners were made aware of problems with 9-1-1 systems across the nation. The resolution urges the North Central Texas Council of Governments explore options to make such an enhanced service affordable for member governments. Precinct 1 Commissioner Randy Stinson, who represents Ellis County on the NCTCOG 9-1-1 board, said the enhanced 9-1-1 has the ability to identify callers who cannot get through because of heavy call volume. “Any time you’ve got a way to check people, I think it’s a good idea,” Stinson said. “That’s what this system does.” Little said the Ovilla City Council was the first in the county to approve the resolution, and other cities are likely to follow suit. All members of the Commissioners’ Court were present. Other items Commissioners approved three new plats and two replats, the largest consisting of 6.336 acres. The approved consent agenda included previous meeting minutes, acceptance of various reports, a $62,000 yearly contribution to Meals on Wheels, and a pair of budgetary line-item transfers. The court approved a contract with Pearman Oil & Gas for convenience store fuel for 2025. A contract with Heritage Air Services LLC was approved for HVAC and mechanical equipment maintenance services for the Ellis County Jail in an annual amount of $109,492. The purchase of network equipment for the new […]