By Marilyn Miller
The Village of Dixie Inn met in regular session at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. After opening the meeting, Mayor Donna Hoffoss closed the regular session and opened a public hearing to receive comment on the proposed 2025-’26 General Fund and Utility Fund budgets.Hearing no comment, the public hearing was closed and the regular meeting reconvened.
Under Aldermen’s Reports, Lance Milligan told the board that he has been considering the expansion of the Village northward along Hwy. 371. Discussion followed, with comments concerning water and sewer services and how they would be set up, not only for new residents, but also for current residents who do not have those services. Everyone agreed that they would “like to see the Village grow,” but a lot of work would be required.
In conclusion, Milligan reiterated that he would like to see the Village grow, but “I just need to talk to our attorney (Paul Kitchens) about what would be required” first. “I’ve just got a rough draft in my head for growing the Village.”
Alderman Judy McKenzie reported on some current “growing” in Dixie Inn, with the opening of Pro Air Solutions Air & Heat, a new business owned by Austin Stiles. “We’re movin’ and groovin’,” McKenzie said.
Alderman Nell Finlay commented on how proud she is of the Dixie Inn Police Department and how effective they are becoming. “People know to tip-toe now when they see our cruisers,” she said.
In other police business, the monthly report was presented as follows for May-’25: Traffic Stops, 37; Citations, 11; Arrests, 2; Lemis Reports, 12; Non-Lemis Reports, 25; Building Checks, 120; Backups, 19; Public Assistance, 28; Calls for service, 80; and Accidents, 1. The report was presented by Mayor Hoffoss, in the absence of Chief Jeff McNeill, who is in Zachary attending a police training meeting.
The mayor also reported that the Village of Dixie Inn received a water grade of “A” for 2025. “We received a line-item appropriation under Act 776 for $30,000 to be spent by June 30, 2025,” Mayor Hoffoss added. Later, under New Business, the Board of Aldermen unanimously approved giving the mayor the ability to spend the excess $30,000. Items under consideration currently include a bullet-proof vest, uniform for the chief, window tinting for the new police car, handheld mobile radios, mobile radios for the cars, and a new meter to regulate the discharge into Dorcheat (estimated $3,500 according to supervisor Scott Day). The mayor stated that she would also like to see better picnic tables installed in the village parks.
In other New Business, the board unanimously approved the 2025-’26 General Fund and Utility Fund; amended the 2024-’25 General Fund and Utility Fund; accepted the resignation of policeman Ben Allen, who stated that it was too much to juggle the extra police job with “family life and work.”
The board also accepted the Minden Press-Herald as the official journal for 2025-’26 and approved the purchase of a new camera for the Maintenance Building ($885.00).
In other business, the Board of Aldermen:
Agreed to attend the Louisiana Municipal Association State Meeting on June 23, 2025 at the Minden Civic Center;
Adopted the Minutes of the May Regular Session and Special Session;
Adopted the May Financial Statements.