LOXLEY, Ala. — Residents of the Town of Loxley had better check the size of their garbage cans. As of Monday’s council meeting, they are now limited to the 50 gallon size.

All members were present for the meeting. Superintendent of Utilities Tommy Hudson asked for changes in the town’s ordinance concerning the size of garbage cans.

“Currently, the ordinance reads presently reads 30 gallons, two cans per household,” said Hudson. “We somehow let the size of the cans get away from us.”

Unfortunately, Hudson learned that it was almost impossible for a homeowner to find 30-gallon cans. The garbage collectors had, “let that slide” because most people bag their garbage and the collector can, “just pull those bags out.”

Hudson explained to the council that a worker had been hurt picking up a bag full of broken glass. The worker was injured and required “quite a few stitches.”

Council member Derek Middleton asked if the workers are required to wear gloves, and Hudson explained that the worker was wearing gloves but the glass caught him above the glove.

“He nearly lost his thumb,” said Hudson.

“We started to condemn anything larger than 60 gallons,” Hudson said. “We started getting quite a few calls.”

After investigating the situation, Hudson proposed that the town change its ordinance to no more than two 50-gallon cans per household, weighing no more than 50 pounds. He assured the council that that size was within existing job specifications.

“That’s the only reason for the change,” said Hudson, explaining that the smaller size cans were not readily available.

Workers will begin “condemning” trash barrels and cans over the new 50-gallon capacity. A bright orange sticker will be placed on those receptacles.

Hudson also briefed the council on the bidding for the repair on well No. 2, which had its pump burn out a few months ago. The town has other wells, which are adequate for the town needs. Hudson also said the town had agreements with other communities to supply water in an emergency, but Hudson wanted to get bids on the work and get that well back into production.

“One company was 31-thousand something and the other was 19-thousand something,” Hudson told the council.

The actual sum will be less, Hudson added, because the town, “found some parts they thought they were going to have to replace.”

The council approved the work.

The council also welcomed back patrolman Samuel Thomas Curry, who has been serving in the Air Force as a sergeant. Curry is expected to return to his police duties in September.

Council member Derek Middleton was also presented with a plaque by Mayor Billy Middleton. The Monday meeting marked the last regular meeting Derek Middleton would attend before resigning his seat.

“I want to thank the townspeople for letting me serve for nine years,” said Middleton. “It does get a little tough.”

In other business, the council:

— Approved a lease-purchase agreement with United Bank to “lease-purchase” three new police cruisers for the town. The cruisers will cost over $89,000. The measure passed unanimously.

— Hudson told the council that while the council had approved going to FEMA for a drainage grant last month, he consulted with FEMA, and he town did not qualify and the town will not be getting the grant.

“I just wanted you to know that there are grants being applied for but we don’t always qualify,” said Hudson.

— The council also heard from Norris Smiley and Melanie House of the Census Bureau. They discussed the town forming a committee to assist with the census, which takes place April 1. Getting an accurate count affects a number of programs and money coming to the town.