Dallas County Commissioners approved a recommendation Monday evening to establish a county-wide Department of Homeland Security attached to the Emergency Management Agency.

Larry Friday, Environmental Services director, said the county

received a large grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in order to fund the creation the local department.

During the meeting, County Commissioner Kim Ballard was appointed to serve on the new Department of Homeland Security board as a representative of the county.

County Commission Chairman Judge Johnny Jones also noted that Elizabeth Driggers, head of Community Development for Selma, asked for the commission’s financial support for a beautification project within the city.

The commission voted unanimously decided to only support the project as long as the state guarantees funds to Selma’s community development.

The commission heard from Friday about a 10-year solid waste plan, and Becky Nichols from the Selma-Dallas County Library, who updated them on the library’s 100-year anniversary.

Towards the end of the meeting, during the commissioner’s report,

Ballard said he had met with representatives of the Central Alabama Animal Shelter.

Other items discussed during the meeting included:

Approval of a resolution to commend two starters on the University of Alabama basketball team, both of whom are from Dallas County, for making it to the Sweet Sixteen championships.

Ending a contract with a Internet service provider at the County Law Library.