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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 from county officials and discussion among commissioners. County staff said the county had pursued a grant through the Texas historical commission to pay for needed repairs but learned this week the grant was awarded to another county. "We thought we were going to be able to get it," a county official said. "The grant was given to another county. Therefore, we're gonna have to take action now to make sure that the repairs are done." The official added that a successful grant would have saved about $500,000 in county funds.
On a motion by Commissioner Eduardo Cabo, seconded by Commissioner Alonso Carmona, the court required the district judge to conduct court in the annex courthouse (the First or Third Floor) or, alternatively, at the convention center, depending on availability and coordination with the district clerk. The motion carried by voice vote with one recorded opposition from Commissioner Wancumona.
Commissioners and staff also discussed ADA access: some upstairs courtrooms are not currently reachable by elevator because the courthouse elevators are out of service, complicating relocation choices. The county attorney and county officials said they will contact the district clerk and the judge to coordinate alternate courtroom assignments and will follow up by email to outline next steps.
The court did not approve a schedule of repairs at the hearing. Officials said major renovations to the historic building require review and approval from the Texas historical commission; staff recommended contacting that body to obtain permission to proceed with repairs or to pursue alternative property options for affected county offices. The court left the matter open to allow staff to consult the historical commission and to explore interim relocation solutions.
What happens next: County staff will coordinate with the district clerk and judges to schedule hearings in the annex courthouse or the convention center and will begin outreach to the historical commission about repair options. No specific repair contract or funding source was approved at the meeting.
