NATCHEZ — The city voted unanimously to give its $11,000 contribution to the Natchez-Adams County Recreation Commission at a Wednesday evening Natchez Board of Aldermen meeting.

The city’s contribution will be funded by part of a remaining balance from a federal Housing and Urban Development grant the city received for the purpose of website development.

Recreation commission Chairman Tate Hobdy said at the meeting a HUD administrator notified him last week that the city has permission to use the leftover grant monies for planning and development for the recreation commission.

Ward 2 Alderman James “Ricky” Gray asked Hobdy how the commission planned to proceed in the event the attorney general advises the school district it cannot contribute its $11,000 portion.

Hobdy said the $22,000 combined contributions of the city aldermen and the Adams County Board of Supervisors are sufficient to hire a landscape architect and begin planning. The $11,000 contribution from the school board would help supplement other planning and development project and allow additional advisors to help out; however, the commission can move forward with the funds the county and city have already committed to it, Hobdy said.

Hobdy said the wait for the attorney general’s opinion about the legality of school district’s contribution to the commission could take up to 45 days.

Ward 6 Alderman Dan Dillard said he would like proof in writing from the National Park Service that it has granted the city permission to build on the land at the bean field described in the memorandum of understanding between the Natchez Trace and the City of Natchez. He also wondered if the National Park Service would allow the complex to have 65-foot lights installed, which is the standard height for the type of complex that is to be built.

Mayor Jake Middleton said Natchez Trace Superintendent, Cameron Sholly, has reassured him the construction can take place in certain areas of the recreation complex.

“We’ve got 45 acres to work with,” Middleton said.

Middleton said he would seek to have a written notice from the National Park Service stating construction is permissible on certain areas of the bean field.

Hobdy said compromises with 65-foot lighting structures have been used in other cities, such as Clinton.

Ward 1 Alderwoman Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis asked Hobdy whether plans for the complex include a pool. Hobdy said the plans will include a pool.

Hobdy said the commission will communicate updates about the project’s development to each board. Plans for a joint-board meeting and public hearing will be made soon as well, he said.