Dallas County Commission unanimously voted to close the Dallas County Courthouse on Tuesday because of a winter weather advisory.

Dallas County Probate Judge and Chairman Jimmy Nunn and the other four Commissioners, Valerie Reubin, Larry Nickles, Roy Moore and Curtis Williams, voted Monday at its commission meeting. They felt the potential threat of snow was reason to close the courthouse.

“If the schools are closed, the kids need to have their parents at home with them,” Williams said.
The Commission also voted to put the Drug Task Force Appropriation on first read. The appropriation was requested by Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson, who also presides over the Fourth Judicial District that includes Bibb, Dallas, Hale, Perry and Wilcox counties.

County Administrator Barbara Harrell said $10,000 was paid to the Task Force in 2017.

Nickles said the county has other important priorities.

“We’re the only county that helps,” Nickles said. “We have roads to fix in the county. We hope they can survive without us.”

Williams requested that Jackson make a presentation at the next Commission meeting on Feb. 11 at 4 p.m. Harrell plans on sending a letter to Jackson.

The commission approved the re-signing of the Portland Lease, a six-mile creek that was leased to the county by the Army Corp of Engineers. The lease will last for the next 26 years.

Dallas County Attorney John Kelly said the Portland Lease is good for the county. He also said the county will be responsible for maintaining the property. The county can keep any proceeds made on the property.

“I’ve been out there and it’s a good asset,” Kelly said. “I’m glad we have it.”

The Commission approved the fee of $286.45 for Marcella Reed to attend a CGEI Personnel Administration/AJTA Policy Conference in Prattville.