By Marilyn Miller

Slowing speeders is the objective of a new ordinance that was adopted by the Village of Dixie Inn Board of Aldermen at their regular meeting on July 8, 2025.

Ordinance 135 will be available for public inspection in Mayor Donna Hoffoss’s office from July 8 until Aug. 12, 2025. It will be considered for final adoption following a public hearing prior to the August regular meeting.

Mayor Hoffoss described the purpose of the ordinance as “implementing the Safety Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) and defining infractions as Civil violations.”

Dixie Inn Police Chief Jeffrey W. McNeill addressed the board, thanking them “for giving the guys the most up-to-date equipment available.” He first explained how training in the use of tasers can now be completed without the use of live rounds, which saves the department money.

In other police business, the board declared the department’s old tasers as surplus and then voted unanimously to donate them to the Heflin Police Department. “They have nothing,” Chief McNeill said.

The board accepted the resignation of officer Richard Caillier, who has taken a full-time position with another agency. In other business, the board approved the hiring of an additional full-time police officer.

Chief McNeill presented the monthly report, which saw 59 traffic stops, 15 citations, one arrest, six lemis reports, 11 non-lemis reports, 138 building checks, 15 back-ups, 46 public assists, 32 calls for service, and one accident.

The grand re-opening of the eastside Village Park will take place Aug. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. The park has seen many improvements during the past two years, including the construction of new restroom facilities. The public is invited.

In other business:

• Alderman Judy McKenzie reported that she has acquired fiber optics via provider Conexon Communications. “We are thrilled to get it (fiber optics)…we are lucky to get it,” she said;
• Alderman Lance Milligan noted that a workshop will be called in the near future to revamp the Village’s codes and regulations;
• The board approved the purchase of an upgraded camera for the eastside park, which will record 180 degrees and will focus further towards Hwy. 80.