The Office of the City Manager reports to the City Commission and is responsible for the day-to-day management of and the long-range planning for the City of Ennis (a land area of 28.03 square miles and had a population of approximately 22,000 in 2022).  The City Manager manages the activities of nineteen City Departments comprised of 250 full-time equivalent employees. The City of Ennis provides a full range of municipal services including police and fire protection; health, sanitation and code enforcement services; recreational and cultural activities; construction and maintenance of streets, highways and infrastructure; and utility services (water and wastewater services).

Administrative Staff Directory

February 26, 2025

Health Department Announcement

The SPCA of Ellis County has terminated its contract and will no longer operate in Ellis County effective April 1, 2025.
Our department is actively working with neighboring cities and local rescue organizations to ensure continued animal control services and sheltering options for the community. We remain committed to public safety, animal welfare, and responsible pet ownership during this transition.
For updates and information on alternative sheltering and rescue partnerships, please check our website or contact the Health Department at 972-875-6444.
Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate this change.

Department of Health Services Animal Control Program

Our mission statement: "Our mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals and residents within our community by providing compassionate animal control services. We strive to promote responsible pet ownership, prevent animal cruelty, and maintain a healthy coexistence between people and animals through education, enforcement, and humane care."

Our services include:

• Wildlife Management: Capture and relocate wild animals; provide humane traps.

• Legal Enforcement: Enforce state laws and city ordinances related to animals.

• Public Education: Raise awareness about animal care and safety.

• City Patrols: General patrols for animal issues and enforcement.

• Incident Investigation: Handle animal bites, scratches, attacks, and quarantines.

• Animal Aid: Assist sick or injured animals.

• Deceased Animal Removal: Remove deceased animals from properties.

• Nuisance Complaints: Address issues like barking dogs and animal noises.

• Animal Cruelty Investigations: Investigate cruelty and welfare concerns.

Specific Regulations:

• Dogs at Large: Dogs must be restrained by a leash or tether outside fences. Cats can roam but must not become nuisances.

• Animal Bites: All bites or scratches must be reported. Animals involved will be quarantined for 10 days for rabies observation. This quarantine process is used to observe the animal for any clinical signs of rabies. Please keep in mind that if an animal is quarantined it is not an implication that the animal has rabies, but the quarantine is required by law.

Contact Information:

• General Inquiries: Call 972-875-6444 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F) or email us at healthdept@ennistx.gov.

• After-Hours: For emergencies, contact the Police Department's non-emergency number at 972-875-4462 or dial 911 for urgent issues like aggressive or injured animals.

The Community Engagement Team serves as the link between the city, its residents, visitors, and local businesses by fostering connection, communication, and growth. Their work is centered on four key areas:

• Marketing & Communications – Managing messaging, social media, newsletters, and public relations to keep the community, visitors, and employees informed.

• Event Planning & Coordination – Organizing events and activities that provide quality of life experiences for local residents and attract visitors.

• Tourism & Economic Development Support – Showcasing local attractions, businesses, and events to drive tourism and strengthen the local economy.

• Crisis Communication – Acting as a trusted liaison between the city and the public during emergencies or major announcements, ensuring timely and accurate information is shared.

Special Event Permit Application

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The fundamental purpose of economic development team is to enhance the quality of life within our community by promoting continuous economic development for the city.  We exist to create new and expanded business development, jobs, value for the city and a better “Quality of Life” by growing and diversifying the local economy, increasing prevailing wages and encouraging experiential shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

Please visit the Economic Development Website with this link :http://ennistx.com

Emergency Management

The City of Ennis office of Emergency Management’s goal is to provide preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery to our community in the event of a disaster.  Emergency Management staff conducted a local based discussion exercise and participated in a regional disaster exercise to test and evaluate various aspects of meeting that goal.  The City of Ennis Office of Emergency Management conducts incident management training classes on a yearly basis.

We will continue to deliver preparedness information and training for the community and staff.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

• Winter Storm January 2026 Information Hub

• Severe Weather Information Hub

• Emergency Preparedness

• Emergency Contacts

• Emergency Management Coordinator

• Outdoor Warning System

The City's Finance Administration Department provides managerial, analytical and administrative support to all departments and is responsible for the management

and direction of Finance, which includes:

• Utility Billing

• Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Budget

• Information Technology

• Purchasing

• Tax & Revenue Collection

• Treasury

Welcome to the City of Ennis Department of Health Services

At the heart of our vibrant community lies the commitment to the well-being of all who live, work, and visit here. The City of Ennis Department of Health Services is dedicated to fostering a healthy, safe, and thriving environment for everyone. Upholding the highest standards of public health, we are your trusted partner in ensuring the welfare of our community through comprehensive and compassionate services.

Our Core Services

• Code Enforcement: Preserving the beauty and safety of our city through diligent enforcement of local laws and regulations.

• Animal Services: Ensuring the humane treatment of animals while maintaining public safety.

• Food Inspections: Rigorously upholding food safety standards to protect public health.

• Rental Dwelling Unit Inspections: Safeguarding the quality and safety of rental housing.

• Mosquito Control: Proactively managing mosquito populations to reduce health risks and enhance quality of life.

• Public Health Programs: Offering a range of programs aimed at promoting overall community health and well-being.

Permits *NEW*

Introducing OpenGov: Simplifying Permits and Licenses in Ennis
The City of Ennis is excited to announce our new permitting and licensing system, OpenGov. Designed with you in mind, OpenGov is set to streamline the application process, making it faster and more efficient for businesses and citizens alike to obtain the permits and licenses they need.

Please note that permits are required for the following:

• Retail Food Establishments

• Mobile Food Units

• Temporary Events

• Rental Properties - single family and multi-family

For more information and links to permit applications and rental inspection requests,  please click here.

We're Here to Help

Have questions or need assistance? Our knowledgeable staff is just a call or an email away. Reach out to us for guidance, support, or information about any of our services.

Call Us: 972.875.6444
Email: healthdept@ennistx.gov

Mission Statement: 

The mission of the City of Ennis Health Department is to safeguard and promote the health, safety, and quality of life for all residents, businesses, and visitors through the enforcement of local and state health regulations. We are committed to advancing public health through education, prevention, code compliance, and collaborative community partnerships.

Through proactive health initiatives, animal services, environmental inspections, and public outreach, we strive to:
• Ensure safe and sanitary neighborhoods for families and their pets,
• Prevent the spread of disease through timely investigation and response,
• Support a clean and healthy environment,
• Promote health equity through education, engagement, and inclusive service delivery.

Our goal is to create a healthier, safer Ennis for everyone through transparent service, continuous improvement, and responsive public health leadership.

2026 Summer Reading Program

City of Ennis, Municipal Court Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the Judge of the Municipal Court to rule upon complaints brought before it by law enforcement officers and private citizens. These complaints arise out of matters which have occurred within the territorial confines of the city. The complaints are prosecuted on behalf of the State of Texas by the city prosecutor and involve matters such as violations of motor vehicle and traffic laws, municipal ordinances, assaults, drug offenses, thefts, harassment, animal control, code enforcement, and school-related offenses.

Citations received from the Ennis Police Department can be viewed the following business day after the day the citation was received. Citation information will not be available to the court on the day you received your citation.

For information on driving safety, deferred disposition, or dismissals, please view the subpages below. 

A telephone call is NOT an appearance.

Information will only be given to the violator or a parent/ guardian of a juvenile.

JUVENILES AND MINORS

Juveniles are defined as persons 16 years of age or younger. Minors are defined as persons 21 years of age or younger on alcohol-related offenses and under 18 years of age on tobacco-related offenses. State law requires the parent or legal guardian to accompany the juvenile before the Judge on the scheduled court appearance. The court will automatically mail a summons to the parent or legal guardian of the date and time to appear. The notice will be mailed to the address listed on the citation that was issued to the juvenile. Juveniles who fail to appear or fail to pay their fine will be reported to the Department of Public Safety, who will suspend their driver's license. If they do not have a driver's license, they will not be able to obtain one until they appear in court, and all fines are paid.

SUBMIT A PAVILION APPLICATION PLEASE USE THE LINK BELOW:

CLICK HERE

PAVILION RENTAL FEES:

Half‑Day Rental – $75.00

Time Slots:

• 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

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Full‑Day Rental – $100.00

Time Slot:

• 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Seasonal Notice

Rotary Park pavilions are available for half‑day rentals only during summer months. No full day rentals at Rotary park from May 15 - October 1.

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Park Locations

Rotary Park

2300 Park Street

Lions Park

1200 W. Lampasas Street

Rogers & Maise Park

900 Martin Luther King Drive

IOOF at Fairview

410 4th Street No restrooms available at this location.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

The Utility Billing Office is located at: 

107 N. Sherman Street, Ennis, Texas 75119

Water or Sewer Emergencies 

For water or sewer related issues and to report water leaks, please contact the Service Center at 972-875-1234, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours, weekends, and city holidays, please call 972-875-4465.

If the water supply problem is between the water meter and your residence, or if you have a sewer problem within your property, you will need to call a plumber for repairs. Call the emergency number for water supply problems on the city side of the meter and for sewer problems originating beyond your property line.

Conservation Tips 

For tips on how you can help conserve and protect the environment, please visit Take Care of Texas.

Important Message 

The City of Ennis does not take payments over the phone nor does City Staff contact customers to request payments over the phone.  If anyone calls you advising you to pay your water bill over the phone please contact the City Utility Billing Department at 972-875-1234  .

The City of Ennis does not endorse any products by firms selling "water line insurance".  If you receive an offer to sell "water line insurance" please contact the City Billing Office at 972-875-1234  .