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The Dallas County Commission discussed a proposal given from Hale County for a three-year partnership/ agreement to house the inmates of Dallas County and provide incarceration care for them as well.

“It can be terminated on a 30-day notice by either side, and they will house these inmates for $50 a day,” said John Kelly, the County Attorney.

Kelly told the commission that he thinks Dallas County would be responsible for the medical care and the transportation portion for the inmates and said the agreement is actively between Dallas County and its commission to approve or deny Hale County’s request to partner.

In addition to the partnership with Hale County, the commission also discussed the resolution named 2024-12-04 that was indicating the fourth Dallas County Jail Repair change order that was issued on Nov. 8.

“So, what this is, is an authorization purchase of some package air conditioning units total up to $420,000, replacing the Serve Pro ventilation equipment out there which Is costing $200K a month over a year’s time, said Kelly. “This will save $1.5 million dollars, and the $420K will be reimbursed by the insurance company that ensures the jail out there.”

Kelly told the commission that he would like the minutes of the meeting to reflect that he did confer with Dallas County’s architect, Mr. Jones Peak for his assurance that it would be under the exception of the competitive bid law and Kelly told commission that he has prepared the change order and said Peak’s recommends the council accepts the approval.

The council also discussed another agenda item that fell under the new business section within the meeting.

“Next, we have resolution 2024-12-05, which is a medical services agreement for Rural Health Medical Program”, said Kelly. The Dallas County Commission has been contracting Rural Health to provide medical services to our inmates and detainees and that agreement will expire on December 15. So, this resolution provides a two-month extension through February 15.”

Kelly told Probate Judge and Chairman of the commission Jimmy Nunn that hopefully, he could get in touch with the people of Rural Health to arrange and schedule a meeting so they can negotiate a new contract before the old one runs out.

Both resolutions, 2024-12- 04 and 2024, 12-05, were unanimously approved by the commission and the proposal with Hale County was taken into consideration by the commission.