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Public Information Officer 411 Elm Street • 4th Floor • Dallas, Texas 75202 • Phone: 214-653-7150 
How is Dallas County Different From the City of Dallas?In Texas there has historically been a significant difference between what a city does and what a county does. In Texas most local services are provided by the City: police, fire, water/sewer, street repair, libraries, trash collection, building inspections and zoning. In Texas, counties are regarded as the local arm of the State and are responsible for such duties as operating the court system and the juvenile justice system, holding people in jail until they can be tried and/or sent to prison, the recording of property, and the issuance of license plates and marriage licenses. Dallas County has a five-member Commissioners Court which adopts the county’s budget, sets its tax rate, approves its contracts and establishes the county’s policies, programs, projects, and priorities. Our Court also hires many of the county’s department heads. Several of Dallas County’s major departments are run by elected officials (tax assessor/collector, district attorney, treasurer, county clerk, district clerk, and sheriff. In addition all the county’s judges, justices of the peace and constables are elected. Dallas County has 81 elected officials. To help coordinate and implement the Dallas County Commissioners Court’s priorities, the Court has appointed an individual to serve in the position of County Administrator, Darryl Martin, who directly oversees several of the County’s key administrative departments. See County Overview for further details.
Press Room FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (Thursday, March 29, 2012) [Dallas County officially surpasses 90% milestone for DPS adult arrest reporting, meeting critical grant requirement] [Dallas, TX] – [HB 2370, passed in the 2009 legislative session, required the establishment of a Local Data Advisory Board (LDAB) by the Commissioners Court of any County with a reporting completion rate below 90% for juvenile and adult dispositions. The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division (CJD), has since announced that no grants for anyone awarded through that office will be eligible for funding if the County’s reporting percentage on adult dispositions for 2006 to 2010 do not average 90% by August 1st, 2012. Dallas County progress has been tracked on a monthly basis. We are proud to announce Dallas County is now compliant with the CJD grant requirement. We would like to further emphasize that we at Dallas County have set the bar even higher; our hope is to reach 93% by August of this year!] When the Dallas County LDAB was established, adult reporting for 2006 was at 81%. To reach our goal of 90% Dallas County used an integrated approach between our I.T Department and other law enforcement agencies within the County:
Commissioner Elba Garcia, as Chair of the Criminal Justice Advisory Board, has been integral to this success story through her leadership and says, "The critical nature of this accomplishment can never be over stated because it affects grant funding across many departments and this court. This is a great example of the incredible work that is done every day by Dallas County employees." Upon the announcement of the news yesterday there were many people deserving of praise for their work in saving critical programs across the board. Commissioners praised all who made this milestone possible. In making the announcement to the County Ron Stretcher, director of the Dallas County Criminal Justice Committee, stated: “I am so proud of the hard work and team effort that has included a partnership with Jill Reese, Craig Morrissey, Vickie Buchanan, County & District Clerk and their staff, the District Attorney and his staff, John Morse, DPS area representative, and local Law Enforcement Agencies. This project was so critical as grant funding to all agencies in Dallas County was at risk. We also must ensure that criminal history information is timely and accurate.” As Chairman of the Dallas County Information Technology Executive Governance Committee, Commissioner Cantrell said, “I am proud of the leadership and ownership that our IT Department took on this project in addition to the unwavering perseverance of Ron Stretcher to reach the goals mandated by the Legislature. Dallas County was in jeopardy of losing over $600,000 in grant funding had it not been for the tenacious attitudes by everyone involved.” County Judge Clay Jenkins added, “This illustrates the importance of strengthening our information technology capabilities. Our IT Department and law enforcement agencies are to be commended for their management of this effort to ensure that funding for grants was not compromised.” MEDIA CONTACTS:
Top StoriesWildfire Risk Assessment Website Now Available for Public Use AUSTIN, Texas — Officials with Texas Forest Service and The Texas A&M University System gathered with state lawmakers to unveil new web applications that will help homeowners and communities determine wildfire risk — and take measures to mitigate potential hazards. [read more] Dallas County leads the way against bullying and combating truancy, supporting new 501C3 “Mothers Opposing Bullying” celebrity event Posted: Wednesday, May 02, 2012
As Dallas County actively pursues ways to bring down our truancy numbers we cannot minimize the impact of the bullying epidemic in our schools. We recently gave our support an initiative entitled “Mothers Opposing Bullying,” (M.O.B) founded by recent Ms. Texas Belinda Ramsey. The newly formed 501c3 addresses the issue of bullying not only from the perspective of the victims but also from that of the bullies themselves. Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price delivered a Resolution in Commissioners Court in April, lauding the newly formed foundation’s efforts and Senator Royce West has committed to putting the issue at the top of his legislative agenda. M.O.B rolled out a celeb studded golf tournament last weekend (Thursday-Saturday) at the Westin Stonebriar Resort and Hotel, Frisco Texas. In attendance were many NBA/NFL athletes, Elsie the Cow (at the behest of title sponsor Bordens), Byron Chamberlain and many others. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins even attempted a tee-off on the green with the tutelage of former MAVS player Mark Aguirre. MISSION Bullying is a national story and presents us with a unique opportunity to be pro-active and lead the way towards real solutions in the protection of the children of Dallas County. CBS11 stepped up to the plate as the foundation’s media partner. For more details, log onto: www.MothersOpposingBullying.org Commissioner Garcia Presents a Resolution in Commissioners Court, Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Photographer: Brooks Love By: Maria Arita Commissioner Garcia Child Abuse Prevention Month ResolutionEvery day a child is hurt – many die at the hands of their abusers. When Commissioner Garcia read a resolution in Court yesterday and Madeline McClure, executive director of the Texas Association for the Protection of Children came to the podium – you could hear a pin drop. The silence came from a speechless and emotional McClure. She started by trying to educate the court on the sheer numbers of children that have been irreversibly damaged or killed this year, and the words just wouldn’t come. McClure did go on, first commending the Commissioners for being at the forefront in the region in the protection of children and went on to establish a marker for what we need to do next, “Dallas County Commissioners have consistently extended their support to our local Child Protective Services and the Dallas Child Abuse Prevention Community lauds their efforts. Yet, while our county population rose 6.7% in the past 10 years, our child abuse fatalities spiked 50% over the average number of child abuse deaths in the previous 10 years. Going forward, our focus must be on Prevention. In honor of the 30 Dallas children that were killed due to child abuse in 2011 and for April being Child Abuse Prevention Month, we look forward to joining the county and all community, state and federal leaders to develop and implement an intensive plan that provides the supports that at-risk families require in order to save our most vulnerable citizens: Our children.” Other notable child abuse prevention advocates that came with McClure were Dallas CASA, the Child Abuse Prevention Center and two representatives from the North Texas Democratic Women. After their introductions each Commissioner stated how vital the protection of our children is to them. They honored the work of these groups and their commitment to this cause. Commissioners also pointed out that even as we’ve faced crushing cuts from the State level, we’ve always found a way to protect our children. There is always more work to do and all were committed to that continued effort including Commissioner Garcia saying, “I hope our resolution will help raise awareness of this often forgotten problem and its tragic consequences. Thousands of children in Dallas County suffer everyday and 30 children have died from child abuse just in the past year. It is up to each of us to get involved to prevent child abuse and advocate for those victims who cannot speak for themselves.” Dallas County Commissioners Court 100% Collaboration For: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 Once a week Dallas County Commissioners convene in open session to deliberate over the Commissioners Court Agenda and Court Orders to determine how our budget dollars will be allotted and how we as a county manage the people’s business and county services. All court documents and quorums are posted on the website for the general public’s knowledge and participation in advance. However, only a small sector of the community makes it to the Court forum in person and of those who do choose to participate – they are often not certain about the true nature of the issues or how their elected leaders arrive at their decisions. Although most of the stories we read or hear about surrounding Commissioners Court revolve around the theater in that public forum – that coverage does little to truly inform the public about the 100% collaborative nature of what the Commissioners do on Tuesday mornings and the 95% unanimous agreement ratio that they enjoy on key issues. Each Commissioner weighs in on what they believe to be best practices, the limitations we are handed down from the State level to accomplish what we want and need for our constituencies and their ideas about how to access better resources and propose better strategies for the County. Check this section often to access TWEETED updates on point of interest in Commissioners Court.  KERA 50th Anniversary Resolution  The following resolution was presented at the Dallas County Commissioners Court by Commissioner Elba Garcia on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. BE IT REMEMBERED, at a regular meeting of the Commissioners Court of Dallas County, Texas, held on the 24th day of January, 2012, on motion made by Dr. Elba Garcia, the following Resolution was adopted. Editorial: Hits and Misses Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins asked the right questions this week when he pushed back against a controversial appointment and a do-nothing committee. Jenkins showed a bit of an independent streak when he asked county commissioner and political ally John Wiley Price to withdraw his proposal to reappoint the New Black Panther Party’s founder, Aaron McCarthy, to a homeland security advisory committee. Then, after a county memo revealed that the “advisory committee” hadn’t actually been advising anyone, Jenkins asked his colleagues to consider disbanding it. On this issue, Jenkins is leading the Commissioners Court in the right direction Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins pulls out his Stetson today and laid it on John Wiley Price’s head!
‘Dallas’ series given expanded access by Dallas County Commissioners  Republican activist files to run for Dallas County commissioner … Dallas Mavericks to be praised for championship win in Dallas County court Tuesday  (Commissioners and Judge Clay Jenkins with Terdema Ussery, President/CEO Mavericks) Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by Sarah Blaskovich The Dallas County Commissioners Court will formally congratulate the NBA champion Dallas Mavericks by reading a resolution Tuesday, December 13 at 9 a.m. Also at the meeting, the court will honor Dallas student Garrett Adcock, who was a national finalist for Wendy’s High School Heisman… Jenkins to nominate Ron Kirk’s wife to serve on NTTA board; vote to come Tuesday Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said this morning that Matrice Ellis-Kirk, a corporate headhunting executive and wife of former Mayor Ron Kirk, has agreed to serve on the board of the North Texas Tollway Authority. Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia represents Dallas County in groundbreaking partnership to combat homelessness! 
[Dallas, TX] – [Commissioner Elba Garcia joined representatives from across the area recently to announce the formation of the Greater Dallas Homeless Policy Alliance. The partnership with Dallas County, the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA) and the City of Dallas is a big step towards a regional solution to addressing chronic homelessness. Commissioner Garcia represents Dallas County and the Commissioners Court on the board of the newly created organization. County Judge Clay Jenkins, Dallas Co. Director of Health and Human Services Zachary Thompson, and Dallas Co. Director of Criminal Justice Ron Stretcher, were also on hand at the press conference to demonstrate Dallas County’s support for this effort.] DWI TASK FORCE: Dallas County offers “Keys to a Safe Start” and new PSA  By: Maria Arita, Public Information Officer / Community Liaison, Dallas County Today Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia announced a resolution recognizing the DWI Task Force established by Commissioners Court, as a force for legislation and public education for tougher laws and enforcement as well as prosecution of DWI violators. A new and powerful PSA was debuted which demonstrates the catastrophic and life-long damage to families as a result of drinking and driving. In the delivery of her resolution to the Court, Commissioner Garcia said “…We just wanted to recognize and thank our hard-working and committed members of the DWI Task Force. With the holiday season coming … the task force is working to increase public awareness of the legal and personal costs of DWI. I think our new website will be a good starting point for people to become educated and gain tools to help fight this problem...” November 16, 2011
 DALLAS, Nov. 14, 2011 – Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia and County Judge Clay Jenkins are calling for Dallas County employees to help abused and neglected children by becoming CASA volunteers. The two have recently filmed a public service announcement for use on the county’s Web site and in the local media. The PSA debuted at the Nov. 15 meeting of the Commissioners Court. Damaging e–mails from former Dallas County security chief released Name-calling, insults hurled at Dallas Commissioners Courtadd to reading list DALLAS - Records obtained by News 8 indicate the former Dallas County Homeland Security Director had been sending “unprofessional emails” and submitting suspicious time card entries. Former Dallas County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Lisa Chambers claims her termination last week was in retaliation for pointing out too many irregularities during her 16 months on the job. Now, for the first time, the county is making its side of the story known and it does not paint a flattering portrait of Chambers short time on the job. Dallas County Judge Jenkins says security chief performed poorly, got drunk An angry Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said Tuesday that he fired the county’s homeland security director because she was often absent and disengaged from her duties and because her own staff gave her poor marks. Jenkins said he will “not tolerate loafers” trying to make excuses for their poor job performance. He also said he was concerned about the amount of alcohol Lisa Chambers drank at a July 4 event in which she almost passed out. |
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