The Dallas County Commissioners unanimously passed a $22.2 million budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year on Monday at the Dallas County Courthouse.

This is the final time Commission Chairman and Probate Judge Kim Ballard works on the county budget. He retires in December. Selma City Attorney and Probate Judge-elect Jimmy Nunn officially takes over in January.

The fiscal year ends on Sept. 30. The 2018-2019 fiscal year starts on Oct. 1.

Ballard is pleased with the budget, despite its slight decrease from last year’s $23.1 million. He praised the four other Commissioners, Valerie Reubin, Roy Moore, Curtis Williams, Larry Nickles and County Administrator Barbara Harrell, for making it happen.

“I’ve assisted on 12 budgets and I’m most proudest of this one,” Ballard said. “We were fortunate to absorb a 7 percent increase. We got the budget done a month before the deadline.”

Dallas County employees also received a slight pay raise as well as 13.7 percent increase in health insurance.

“The health insurance increase is a big deal,” Williams said. “When you have good health care, it goes a long way.”

The Commission unanimously approved two Edward Byrne Memorial Judge Assistance Grants administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). The Drug Task Force received $200,000, while the Dallas County drug task force got $50,000.

The Commission also recognized John Farris Harper, presenting him with a proclamation signed by them to declare Chiari Awareness month. Last week, Harper received a proclamation signed by Selma Mayor Darrio Melton.

Chiari malfunction is a condition when the brain tissue extends into your spinal canal. It occurs when part of your skull is abnormally small or misshapen, pressing on your brain and forcing it downward. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, neck pain, speech problems and difficulty swallowing.

“I appreciate what you’ve done to help us be aware of this disease,” Ballard said.

The next Commission meeting will be held on Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. at the Dallas County Courthouse.