The Dallas County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Wednesday.

The board held a workshop to discuss how to proceed with the criminal court building, following the failed ballot measure from last week’s election. During the workshop, Farnsworth Group Principal Architect Kristofer Orth, who spearheaded the project, said that he heard from the public that they didn’t have enough information and believes that the organization should be campaigning earlier in the year to get the word out. Supervisor Kim Chapman added that he heard comments from people about the building being too large, cost too much money, and feared that the courthouse would close down. 

County Attorney Jeannine Ritchie chimed in noting that there was confusion from people about what exactly the building was going to offer. Her, along with Supervisor Chair Brad Golightly thinks there is a need for the building, and Finance Director Rob Tietz explained that if the board decides to continue with the project it can be up for consideration again November of 2025. The board tabled the item for future meetings.

As for the regular part of the meeting, the board approved a workspace furniture package pay application for the new administration building in the amount of $588,723.36, and the board will hold an open house on December 6th from 2-4:30pm to show off the facility. The final  item that was approved was a resolution for utility valuations as presented. Dallas County Auditor Julia Helm then canvassed the results from the November 5th election. She concluded that there were 77,714 registered voters and 63,330 (81.49%) total ballots were cast. All results were officially canvassed and there were no changes to the unofficial results from the night of the election.