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Dimmit County orders district court out of small historic courtroom after fire-marshal capacity concerns
Summary
Commissioners voted to require district court hearings be moved to the annex courthouse (First or Third Floor) or the convention center after a fire-marshal inspection found the historic courtroom—s capacity is 10 and staff reported overcrowding, heat and a recent medical incident; repairs postponed after a historic-preservation grant went to another county.
Dimmit County commissioners on Thursday voted to stop holding regular district-court sessions in a small courtroom inside the historic courthouse after officials said the room is overcrowded, very hot and out of compliance with fire-safety guidance.
County staff and the district clerk told the court that a fire-marshal inspection measured the small courtroom—s capacity at 10 people and advised that, because the property is county owned, the county has jurisdiction over occupancy and safety. The court was told that at least one person nearly passed out during a recent hearing and that employees and inmates have been placed in cramped spaces on court days.
The vote followed a presentation…
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