NATCHEZ — The City of Natchez has hired two accountants that will work in the city clerk’s office to get the city’s books back in order.

Mayor Butch Brown said Christine Brinegar and Nancy Hydrick started last week getting acquainted with their duties at City Hall.

The city’s original plan involved hiring only one accountant, but Brown said the termination of an employee in the clerk’s office and the reassignment of another left the funds and space for two accountants.

Brinegar and Hydrick will be taking over the city’s bookkeeping and inputting data into the city’s Springbrook accounting system.

Getting the city’s books back in order and accounting technology up-to-date is a job for two accountants, Brown said.

“This will eliminate all these problems we have had for many, many years because we haven’t had enough competent personnel,” he said. “Now we are equipped with professionals in all positions.”

Hydrick’s salary is $45,000 and Brinegar’s $40,000. Brinegar’s salary will be increased to $45,000 once she completes the CPA exam.