Expert testimony before North Texas county commissioners asserted that proposed state election reforms will have a detrimental economic impact.
Dallas County Commissioners rescinded a portion of the county’s vaccine distribution plan following a directive from state health officials.
“It sounds foolish and it is foolish,” Republican Dallas County Commissioner J.J. Koch said.
Commissioner J.J. Koch believes other factors such as socioeconomic status should be the basis for distributing the vaccine.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins has called for more restrictions, but Gov. Greg Abbott has signaled there will be no more lockdowns in Texas.
Commissioner J.J. Koch (R) said he has witnessed reports of “screaming and crying” in the Dallas County Elections Department.
Commissioner Theresa Daniel said she was “sorry for” the other elected officials who were affected by the vote, all of whom make six figures.
Dallas County Commissioners approved an additional $30 million in funding for the county’s small business assistance program, originally a $5 million appropriation.
Businesses in Dallas County must now require mask-wearing by their employees and patrons. The commissioners court held an emergency meeting on Friday morning to enact the order.
A resolution passed by Dallas County advocates for citizens to apply for a mail-in ballot if fearful of voting in person due to coronavirus concerns.
Dallas County officials extended their shelter-in-place order until May 15, while effectively tabling an order to approve personal service contracts.
As preparations are made to use the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center as an overflow hospital for coronavirus patients, Dallas County adjusts its disaster declaration.
Concerns regarding the virus' spread, the economic impact of the order, and how citizens and businesses will cope in the meantime were aired at the meeting.
Dallas County commissioners agreed to issue a tax $300,000 per year tax abatement to Zume Inc. It's the 63rd abatement provided to a company in the last three decades.
In an about-face from last week, the Dallas County Commissioners Court passed a salary increase for elected officials. Three members of the court abstained.
The creation of a salary grievance committee is providing elected officials in Dallas County a platform to advocate for higher pay.
