Waldron now has a code enforcement officer to check up on local law violations.

Morenci police officer Don Thompson was hired by the Waldron village council during a special meeting Sept. 21 to serve as the part-time officer.

Thompson will be paid $15 an hour, but full details of the contract have yet to be worked out. When on the job, Thompson would work a minimum of three hours.

Harold Douglas, who served as village president until Oct. 1, explained that Thompson would not address traffic issues, but would only check on local ordinances such as grass height, weeds, junk in yards, loose dogs, trash burning, etc.

Thompson will first issue a warning, and if the violation is not corrected, he will issue a ticket. At least a portion of the fine will stay in the village to help pay Thompson’s wages, Douglas said.

In order to serve in Hillsdale County, Thompson will first be deputized by the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Department.