The Dozier Town Council is trying to determine if the town would have to repay grant funds if they don’t hire a police chief.

Dozier has been without police service since Terry Mears resigned in March.

Mayor Buddy Dean said that the town has received a number of grants from agencies like the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and the Department of Homeland Security to help fund a police chief in Dozier.

Dean said the next step is clarifying the grants’ requirements to avoid violating the terms and having to pay a penalty.

“We’ve got to have some legal advice,” he advised the council. “I think about all we can decide to do is table it until we have legal advice.”

Crenshaw County Sheriff Charles West said on Monday that a police car, radar gear and other equipment obtained through ADECA grants is currently being stored at the Crenshaw County Jail.

The Dozier Town Council unanimously approved a motion to seek the return of the equipment to Dozier.

Town Clerk Ann Holland said that several people have applied for the chief’s job.

–Michael Rodgers