NATCHEZ — Dr. Thomas Vaughan had until Monday to board up his historic house, but Arlington remains exposed to outside elements.

City Building Inspector Paul Dawes said the city will begin contracting work out to salvage the property. Arlington requires extensive work the city cannot perform.

“We’re in the process of getting bids in order,” Dawes said. “The structure needs to be protected from further deterioration and if we go at it in an improper manner, we won’t solve the problem.”

The city public works department has been at work this month clearing the property. According to a disposition order drafted by Municipal Judge Jim Blough, all work, materials and labor required to rescue Arlington will be placed in a lien against the property.

Vaughan, who was found guilty of demolition by neglect and abandonment of motor vehicles, has been ordered to pay $551 in court fines. Payment is due Jan. 6.

Vaughan has until Jan. 8 to remove 10 inoperable, vandalized vehicles from his property.

Blough said efforts to impede or obstruct the disposition order are punishable as contempt of court.