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The Dallas County Commission held a Special Called Meeting on Monday at the Dallas County Courthouse.

The entire Commission was present: Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn, Commissioners Vivian Rogers, Connell Towns, and Jan Justice.

The Dallas County Jail and Juvenile Detention Center were the biggest topic at the meeting, and the County Commission approved a State of Emergency for both buildings.

The County Commission heard presentations from two law firms, Townsend Law LLC and Long and Long Attorneys. The County Commission will choose one of the firms to represent them against the insurance company in repairing the jail, insured at $10 million.

Darrell Steward of Steward Construction, Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum, and Marcus Hannah of Perry Varner all told the County Commission about damage to the jail and detention center, which included the roof, generator, and HVAC center.

Each law firm presented strong and different presentations to the County Commission on how they will work with the Insurance Company. They will also send contracts for Dallas County John Kelly and the County Commission to look over.

Attorney Neal Townsend, based out of Fairhope, explained to the County Commission about different coverages and why the Insurance Policy is important. A member of the Townsend firm, Andrew York, said that Townsend is good at working with the other side.

Attorneys Bennett Long and Andrea Butler discussed terms such as actual cash value, and replacement cost valuation. Long and Long have locations across the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Steward told the County Commission to expect a long process to rebuild the jail.

“It’s a major undertaking and will take a lot of work,” Steward said. “The insurance should cover it.”

Granthum saw something positive.

“The silver lining is we’re getting a new jail and get to keep our correctional officers,” Granthum said.

The juveniles are placed in either Tuscaloosa or Montgomery. Dallas County inmates are housed between Decatur and Geneva.