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The Dallas County Commission held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony Wednesday for the new Dallas County Courthouse Administrative Building.

Dallas County officials, ranging from Circuit Court Judge Collins Pettaway Jr. to Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthun attended the ceremony.

The new building houses the tag department, Tax Collector’s office, Tax Assessor’s office, driver license department, human resources, and the County Commission office. Tag renewals and property taxes can be paid through a drive thru.

“We have the only drive-thru in the state,” Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn said. “This new building represents an upgrade to county facilities and county services.”

Dallas County Tax Collector Tanika Wagner-Neely said the goal is to make things easier for residents.

Dallas County bought the property from Regions Bank in January 2021. Nunn said that the project to purchase and renovate the 22,000-square-foot facility cost only about $2 million.

Dallas County Commissioner Curtis Williams credited Nunn for opening the new building.

“Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn had the vision to open the new building and get it done,” Williams said.

Dallas County Commissioner Vivian Rogers thanked the previous Commission, Valerie Reubin, Roy Moore, and Larry Nickles, for igniting the process. Williams was also on the last Commission.

“The previous Commission passed the baton, and we ran with it,” Rogers said.

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. was on the program and praised the city’s strong relationship with Dallas County.

“The city of Selma has a great relationship with Dallas County,” Perkins said. “We are joined at the hip. I’m thankful.”

Selma City council members Lesia James and Atkin Jemison also attended the event.

After the ceremony, citizens toured the building.