Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs awarded a $52,000 grant to the Dallas County Commission to combat illegal drugs and violent crime, but the dwindling amount has the district attorney’s office concerned.

The Dallas County Commission accepted Monday the ADCEA $52,080.41 grant for the 4th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force with a unanimous vote.

Meant for the fiscal year ending in September 2015, the money will be used to pay for the drug task force’s operation costs, which includes funding the payroll.

“These guys do a great job in trying to control the drugs in this county,” Commissioner Roy Moore said. “I think they spend that money wisely.”

The 4th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force serves Dallas, Hale, Bibb, Wilcox and Perry County. It conducts undercover operations, finds and dismantles dangerous methamphetamine laboratories, arrests and prosecutes drug offenders and assists with violent crime investigations, according to a press release released by the Gov. Robert Bentley’s office.

According to District Attorney Michael Jackson, the job requires funding for bulletproof vests, guns, traveling and more. He said payroll alone costs about $350,000 per year.

Jackson said he appreciates the federal grants the drug task force receives yearly, but the constant cuts have made it difficult for the agency.

Last year, the ADECA awarded more than $77,000 for the 4th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, according to Dallas County Administrator Barbara Harrell. She said the decreases are due to “lack of availability. “

“As you can see it’s been cut dramatically, which has put a strain on the district attorney’s office’s budget,” Jackson said.

Jackson said the district attorney’s office often requests funding from the Selma City Council and Dallas County Commission, but have difficulty finding the full amount they need.

With little financial support, Jackson said the office pays for many of the drug task force’s expenses.

“I just feel like it’s important that we have a drug task force, because of all the drugs and guns that are going on in the fourth circuit,” Jackson said. “Despite the fact that it’s putting a strain on my budget financially, I’m going to try to keep it going as long as I can.”