Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson is seeking appropriation from the Dallas County Commission for the Drug Task Force.

The county commission placed the appropriation on first read at its commission meeting on Monday. They request Jackson to speak at the next Commission meeting on Feb. 11 at 4 p.m.

The task force is run by Jackson, who also presides as District Attorney over the Fourth Judicial District that includes Dallas, Bibb, Hale, Perry and Wilcox counties.

“I pay for most of their salaries and benefits such as retirement and health insurance,” Jackson said. “We have a grant for their equipment and some other expenses. We have a $200,000 grant helping to eradicate gang problems in the fourth circuit.”

Jackson said the Task Force’s overall budget and expenses is around $500,000 a year.

“It is a constant struggle trying to finance this big operation,” Jackson said. “That’s why I am appreciative of any county commission or city council that appropriates my office any money for this big expense out of my overall budget.”

Jackson said the task force has played a big role in reducing murders across the fourth judicial district.

“The drug task force helps the local, state and federal agents in our area to help stamp out drugs and violent crime,” Jackson said. “I shudder to think about what would happen if they were not around.”

Dallas County Administrator Barbara Harrell said the commission donated $10,000 to the task force in 2017.