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Laney said fines and citations are issued by city police, but those on the receiving end don't pay them and many are hard to track down when they default because they don't live in the area.
"I'd say half of ours are from out of town," Laney told the aldermen at the April 3 meeting.
Laney proposed to the board that future citations and tickets require a cash bond at the time they are issued.
"You'd be surprised how many people can come up with the money if they're in jail," Laney said. "They'd either have to pay up to get out or pay for a professional bondsman."
Laney said the majority of tickets issued are for no driver's license or no insurance. He said property bonds are hard to collect on especially when those ticketed do not live in the Houlka area.
Laney also said the department is working to collect the unpaid fines currently on the books.
"The ones close to town, we're trying to round them up," Laney said. "You pay your fine or this is what's going to happen. Everybody pretty much knows where we stand. We've got a good setup and it's time to make a difference."
Laney also reported the current police cars are paid for but will require replacement bar lights soon. He said he is currently shopping around for the best price for the equipment.
At the park
The board discussed erecting a memorial in honor of the late Mackenzie Young who died in a car accident earlier this year. Options included installing a plaque on the backstop of the girl's softball field or on the gazebo in the town square. Alderman Beverly Davidson volunteered to research pricing and feasibility for the location of the memorial.
The board discussed adding lighting to the park and will contact Natchez Trace Electric Power Association for an assessment. Estimated costs of additional lighting is $13-$15 per month per extra light.
In other actions, the board:
* Tabled bids on a depository for lack of information on fees from one of the bidders.
* Accepted a bid from GNC for water service products and supplies. GNC was the only bidder who submitted a bid on all supplies needed.
* Accepted a bid from Dowdle Gas for propane at the Community Center at $1.67/gallon.
* Made a water bill adjustment for Collums Furniture, due to equipment problems. The city's policy is to grant a one-half bill adjustment for such an incident once per home or business per year.
* Approved a four-day training course in water systems management for Matt Brown.
* Approved a motion to contract with Three Rivers Planning and Development District to apply for a CDBG grant not to exceed $40,000 for the ongoing sewer project.
* Agreed to retain Janie Tutor as a full-time employee in the Mayor's office.
* Discussed the possible purchase of United States flags for various areas around government buildings as well as a city flag. No action was taken on the matter.