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The Dallas County Commission held its first meeting after Easter on Monday.

The entire Commission was present: Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn along with Commissioners Connell Towns, Vivian Rogers, Jan Justice and Curtis Williams.

In new business, Nunn thanked U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell for presenting a $7.2 million check to Dallas County on March 30 as part of the nationwide $1.9 billion American Rescue Plan. Sewell said the funds must be used by Dec. 31, 2024.

Dallas County Attorney John Kelly said Dallas County Commission had to open a bank account. Nunn and County Administrator Barbara Harrell would have access to the funds. Nunn also addressed how the money would be used.

“We are grateful we received the money,” Nunn said. “The money has to be used for COVID-19 related things. We have to spend it and we will spend every cent of it.”

The Commission approved for anyone coming into the Dallas County Courthouse must still wear masks to enter the building.

The Commission approved three things presented by County Engineer Heath Sexton:

– GovDeals’ MOU, flexible pricing options and online sales.

-Authorize Sexton to utilize GovDeals, Inc. auction site to sell engineering and road department vehicles, equipment tools and materials commission approves to get sold.

-Authorize the County Engineer to utilize GovDeals, Inc. auction sale at his discretion in order to sell any equipment, vehicles, tools and equipment that the Commission has deemed surplus.

Sexton gave an update on ATRIP Project Update on U.S. Highway 80 and U.S. 41. ALDOT funded the work and awarded $2 million.

The only new business was the appointment of Rev. Al Brown to the South Dallas Water Authority Board.

Crimson Contractor was awarded a $119,000 bid to repair the roofs on Jim Minor Garden Homes. Once Nunn signs the contract, between 10-12 homes will be repaired in the near future.

Dithornia Johnson and Jeff Harrison of Selma Food Bank spoke in the public comments section of the meeting.

Johnson spoke about her property being damaged and in the Bogue Chitto area. Nunn told Johnson that Sexton and the Commission are aware of the situation and looking into it.

Harrison thanked the commission for supporting the SAFB. He said spending has increased, up to $75,000 monthly, compared to $13,000 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Nunn said the SAFB will be included in the county’s budget hearing.

Dallas County Athletic Director Richard Davis and the assistant athletic director agreed to $12,000 equal compensation.

Gary Crum was awarded concession rights to handle concession at the Sportsplex. He will receive $7,000.