NATCHEZ — Adams County decided Monday to renew its trash collection agreement with Waste Pro for another year.

Board President Mike Lazarus said Adams County’s solid waste hauling rate compared favorably to other places in southwest Mississippi.

“Looking at the rates we are paying monthly compared to everyone else in Southwest Mississippi, we are $3 and $4 lower a month right now,” Lazarus said. “I am scared to death to bid it out because I can’t see it coming in any lower.

“If it comes in higher, we would have to raise our rates. I do not have the stomach to raise rates right now.”

The county voted unanimously to rescind authority to seek RFPs with the understanding of extending the contract with Waste Pro for another year.

If supervisors canceled the contract with Waste Pro, they risked the bids coming in higher. County Administrator Joe Murray said if the county canceled the Waste Pro contract, they would not have the option of picking up the extension if bids came in higher than the current contract.

The contract with Waste Pro costs $9.25 per county household each month. In 2013 when the contract with Waste Pro was originally enacted, each household paid $10.33 per month for service with Waste Management.

The 3 1/2-year contract came with the option for the county to pick up two one-year extensions. This is the final extension, meaning the county would have to seek bids next year.

Natchez residents, including recycling and carts, paid $11.26 per month, though city leaders hope to get a better deal by bidding out the city’s contract this year. The next lowest price in the region is Brookhaven, whose residents pay $12.32 per month, which also includes recycling and carts.

Woodville residents pay $14.95 per month; Gloster $16.75; Hazlehurst $17.14; and Monticello $17.85.

Figures provided did not include Jefferson, Franklin or Wilkinson counties.

Murray said other savings also exist, including at the convenience stations.

The county had previously asked Board Attorney Scott Slover to meet with City Attorney Bob Latham to learn why the city was seeking to terminate its contract with Waste Pro before Sept. 1. The county was curious if going in together on bids with the city could potentially produce savings for both entities.

However, Slover said Monday he had not been able to meet with Latham due to a family emergency of Latham’s. Slover said the county could not wait any longer.

Natchez aldermen last week decided to seek proposals from waste collection companies. The board also voted to have consultant Waste Tech draft requests for proposals. The board could then decide later whether to take on Waste Tech or issue its own request at a future meeting.

Lazarus said Waste Tech is paid for through the savings it might bring for the city. Lazarus said when the county sends out requests for proposals next year he would rather Slover do it so the county could keep all of any potential savings.