By Marilyn Miller

The Dixie Inn Board of Aldermen conducted a public workshop on Monday, April 6 to discuss five items that could see further action at the next monthly board meeting.

Mayor Donna Hoffoss first reported that annual funds from the Webster Parish Police Jury are in-hand and asked the board to discuss uses for the $16,000. “I’d like to recommend that we (put the money toward the) purchase a new tractor to replace our old one, which wouldn’t crank the other day,” she said. “I’d like to consider a Skid-Steer product if they weren’t so expensive.”

“There have been several times we’ve needed a new tractor,” alderman Judy McKenzie concurred.

Alderman Lance Milligan questioned how long the village has been given to use the WPPJ’s donation and was told until Dec. 31, 2026. He then asked what sold the mayor on a Skid-Steer product, which is an attachment such as a loader.

She said the Village was moving dirt the day before and had rented a Skid-Steer loader. “We finished the project in one day,” she said, unbelievingly.

“A tractor would be a safer bet,” Milligan said. “I would go for a Kubota over a Deere…it’s a workhorse.”

After more discussion, Mayor Hoffoss commented, “We can use the $16,000 towards a tractor…but we have until December to decide.

In other matters, the board discussed:

• The hiring of a part-time or full-time person to assist the village Clerk;
• What action can be taken over the new awning in front of the Village Hall, which almost collapsed during the recent ice storm. The board decided to invite the owner of the company who constructed the awning to come to Dixie Inn to visit with the mayor and council and take a look at the product;
• A personnel matter.