By Marilyn Miller

It’s not the people, or the pay…it’s the paperwork. At least that’s what one member of the Dixie Inn Board of Aldermen seems to believe is the reason behind the Village’s inability to find and keep a part-time chief of police.

“The paperwork required by the State of Louisiana takes more time than a part-time job allows,” the alderman said. “We didn’t count on all of that.”

That’s just one of many policing challenges facing the Village as they work to rebuild their police force that imploded approximately four months ago. Now they are trying to find a parttime chief.

“We’re working on it,” said Mayor Donna Hoffoss. “This is something new to us…we’ll figure it out as we go along.”

Alderman Lance Milligan agreed with the mayor, stating that they were “hanging in there, thanks to the presence of the Louisiana State Police, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, and even the Minden Police Department.”

At Tuesday night’s regular meeting of the Village, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Don Myers, who had been hired as chief. No explanation was given.

In other business, the board:

• Approved a bid of $19,500.00 for a parking canopy for the office building/police station. A grant will pay $15,000 toward the project, leaving a balance of $4,500 for the village to pay;
• Approved Mayor Hoffoss’ signing of the 2023-24 audit and SAUP Engagement Letters with Cook & Morehart, CPAs (SAUP—Statewide Agreed Upon Procedures, reporting requirement for entities required to do audits per the Audit Law in Louisiana);
• Noted the passing of former Chief of Police Keith Terral;
• Adopted the Minutes of the June 6, 2024 Special Session, the July 9, 2024 Regular Meeting; and the July 18, 2024 Special Session;
• Adopted the Financial Statements for July 2024.

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