NATCHEZ — Four city employees were officially informed of their termination by Mayor Jake Middleton Wednesday.

The layoffs of Public Works Director Eric Smith, Director of Construction Francis Ransom Jr., Planning Specialist Dawn Williams and Land Use Planner Walter Huston were effective immediately. Middleton estimates the layoffs will save the city $200,000.

Middleton said he would not disclose the identity of the fifth employee, who Middleton plans to meet with at 8:30 a.m. today at Natchez City Hall.

However, Middleton did say City Grants Coordinator Brett Brinegar is not among the affected employees. The mayor said he and the Natchez Board of Aldermen received letters protesting Brinegar’s termination.

“Brett has paid for her salary over the years, and it’s the one position that does pay for its salary,” Middleton said. “I was hoping the board sees that Brett be given an opportunity to stay on board.”

Calls to Brinegar were not returned Wednesday.

Smith, who served as public works director since April 2005, said Middleton came to his office bearing the news.

“I don’t have anything bad to say about the mayor or the board for making that decision,” Smith said. “I will be OK, and I told them I was a king’s kid, a child of God.”

Calls to Ransom were not returned Wednesday.

Middleton said Natchez Water Works Assistant Superintendent David L. Atkins, with assistance from City Engineer and Water Works Superintendent David Gardner, will lead the public works department in its reorganization.

“I’m meeting with the staff (today) to tell them how we’re going the run the operation the next few weeks,” Middleton said.

Huston, who served as land use planner since March 1, 2006, spent most of Wednesday packing up his office, anticipating the news from Middleton.

“I came today to basically clean out my office because I don’t want to be around where I’m not wanted,” Huston said. “I’ve been through two layoffs. It didn’t kill me before. It’s not going to kill me now.

“I enjoyed my time here, but this is not the only place on earth to work.”

Huston and Williams, who has also worked in planning department since March 1, 2006, met individually with Middleton, City Clerk Donnie Holloway and City Attorney Everett Sanders while two Natchez police officers paced City Hall. Both Huston and Williams cordially exited their respective meetings.