County officials reported audits found the FY26 budget underestimated tax revenue and identified roughly $8.3M in extra collections plus about $8M in delinquent accounts; the judge said there is no indication of missing funds and the court will solicit forensic-audit proposals.

Ellis County Commissioners Court adopted the FY2027 budget 3–2, including new county administrator and budget officer positions funded by reallocations; commissioners agreed to remove reliance on a tax anticipation note and to adjust a DA seizure fund balance as part of the motion.

County Judge Ray told the court an independent audit found the FY2026 budget underestimated tax revenue by roughly $6 million and said earlier budgets may have similar discrepancies; he notified the district attorney and proposed hiring an outside firm to conduct a deeper financial review.