On a motion by Alderman Michael Cathey and a second by Alderman Buford Givens, the board unanimously approved the appointing of John Boyd as the new chief of police and Steve Holts as the new assistant chief.

Boyd, a member of the Senatobia police force since 1986, had previously served as assistant chief for approximately 13 years. He and his wife live in Como, where Boyd had served on that town's force for five years before coming to Senatobia.

Holts has worked for the Senatobia Police Department for 13 years. It was his first law enforcement job. He and his wife live in Tate County and have three children.

All the aldermen expressed their congratulations to both Boyd and Holts, and thanked them for their willingness to serve the city of Senatobia.

In his first act as chief, Boyd asked the city to approve the hiring of two new police officers, one from Tallhatchie County and one from Como. With a motion from Alderman Lana Nail and a second from Cathey, those hirings were also approved unanimously.

Former Police Chief Sammy Webb left the force effective October 1 for a job with the Youth Drug Court in DeSoto County. He had served as the city's chief for 11 years.

Due to the continued growth in the city, board members also voted unanimously to move code enforcement and building inspector Timothy Simpson to full time status.

Steve Walters, the city's other code enforcement official, will remain a part time employee.

All board members were present for the meeting.

Email News Editor Melissa Turner

Subscribe to the printed edition of the Democrat now!