By Marilyn Miller
An ordinance regulating and permitting of temporary vendors during special events in the Village of Dixie Inn was passed unanimously Tuesday night by the Board of Aldermen. The ordinance will be on view to the public at the Town Hall beginning seven days before its final adoption on Nov. 10, 2026.
Mayor Donna Hoffoss introduced Amendment 74-A, the amendment of Ordinance #74, “regarding temporary vendors and special sales events.”
“This amended ordinance will provide for the regulation and permitting of temporary vendors operating within the corporate limits of the Village of Dixie Inn during ‘Main to Main,’ the ‘Highway 80 Sale,’ and other designated community sales, festivals, markets, or special events,” Mayor Hoffoss said.
The amendment will provide for the establishment of permit requirements, fees, exemptions, location and safety requirements, enforcement and penalties, and related matters.
A representative of Risk Services of Louisiana, Michael Chatelain, introduced himself to the board and briefly told them how RSL could save money through both bundling and discounts. RSL also has a liability package that is very inexpensive.
“I’d like to come and talk to ya’ll before Jan. 23, 2027, when you adopt your property policies,” Michael said. The Board agreed to call a workshop session to hear his proposals. Risk Services of Louisiana insures over a dozen municipalities in the north Louisiana area.
In other action, the Board unanimously:
Approved a quote of $4,000 from the Tree Guys to remove two trees that have fallen in the water department yard and to have them grinded and filled;
Approved a quote of $1,050.00 yearly from Bayou Generator Services (David Lewis and James Harrington) to service the village’s generators;
Approved a quote of $10,139.41 from Teeco to outfit the new police truck (lights, siren, radio, etc. including installation);
Approved a quote for the repair of leaks at the village’s three water wells for a total of $15,122.00. Water Dept. manager Scott Day reminded the Board that the job cannot be put off because of probable upcoming freezing weather, which would triple the damage;
Also, the Board approved a quote of $3,250.40 for eight water meters & antennas from Southern Pipe;
The Board “grudgingly” accepted the resignation of Assistant Police Chief Shane Huffsteller, who is retiring;
They also approved the hiring of three part-time police officers, John Griffith, Louie Foy, and Jeremy Gross. They will each work approximately 20 hours a month;
In other business, the Board approved a request for 50 percent of assistant administrator Claire Brewster’s salary to come from the Water Dept. and 50 percent from the General Fund, while 100 percent of Office Administrator Alicia Wrenn’s salary is to come from the General Fund.
In her report, Mayor Hoffoss stressed that “We need to work on getting grants for several projects, including painting the water towers (which could exceed $20,000), work on the lift stations, and reparations to the parking shed on the Town Hall.”
Alderman Lance Milligan said that he would do a “ride along” with an Entergy representative on Wednesday “to get an idea of what the village is spending on street lights.”
“I could get happy with lights,” Milligan said, “but I want to be prudent with our money.”
The “Highway 80 Sale” runs this coming Thursday through Sunday (Oct. 16-19) with a large part of the sale taking place in Dixie Inn. This will be the second year for the village to require payment for vendor slots.
“But I’d like to remind everyone that we are not making any money on this event,” Mayor Hoffoss exclaimed.
Mayor Hoffoss also invited the community to “Boo With the Blue,” safe Trick or Treating at the Police Station on Saturday, Oct. 31 at Dixie Inn Park (the big park).