NATCHEZ — The Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center on Homochitto Street received a new water line Thursday in what could set the stage for additional repairs in the future.

Crews spent the day installing the new water line — costing approximately $6,000 from the city’s public properties fund — that runs to the gymnasium in the back of the Margaret Martin property.

This work comes in the wake of numerous issues with the performing art center’s water supply system.

But the repair could be just a sliver of the total work ahead, depending upon what Natchez leaders decide for the building’s future.

“For now, we’re just running this line in preparation of whatever else (might happen),” Natchez Building Inspector Jody Rutter said.

The final decision, Rutter said, rests with the Natchez Board of Aldermen, though he will explore pricing with local plumbers to get a sense of what more expansive repairs would cost.

Last month, officials discussed potentially installing new piping to completely replace the building’s antiquated and problematic plumbing system, which Rutter said could take between one and two months.

Afterward, Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell would not say whether he wants the city to maintain ownership of the building, saying he would like to meet with Natchez Festival of Music officials first to discuss what the future might hold.

Rutter said he was unsure when the aldermen would next discuss the future of the center.