NATCHEZ — The Natchez Mayor and Board of Aldermen discussed asking the Adams County Board of Supervisors to help the city purchase a new ladder fire truck with a pumping system to replace the city’s old, noncompliant model.

The city has previously discussed seeking a capital improvement loan program under the Mississippi Development Authority to purchase a truck that would bring the city into compliance and improve fire insurance ratings in the city. Yet during Tuesday’s board of aldermen meeting, Grennell said the county needs to contribute toward the purchase of the truck.

“We need to get some participation from the county in this,” Grennell said. “If we are going to continue to hold a joint effort in providing countywide fire protection, we are going to need some participation from the county.”

Ward 6 alderman Dan Dillard said the budget for fire protection for this fiscal year is $2.7 million.

“The board of supervisors pay around $645,000 of that budget,” Dillard said. “We need to approach them now before they get into their budget cycle.”

As for the loan program, it allows a maximum $750,000 loan with a 10-year term on the fire truck with either a 3-percent rate for taxable endeavors or a 2-percent rate for tax-exempt purposes, Community Development Coordinator James Johnston reportedly said earlier this month.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Johnston said he plans to hold a public hearing concerning the loan on Aug. 14 after the board of aldermen’s regular meeting. Such a hearing is mandated by the program.

Quotes for a new fire truck came in at approximately $1 million, Johnston said.

Grennell said the board needs to figure out a plan sooner rather than later because it could diminish the city’s fire rating — which would mean higher insurance premiums for property owners — if they wait too long.

“This board does not want the rating to be affected,” Grennell said. “So, we need make sure we are working diligently to make sure we find out a way to finance this truck.

“Outside of the city limits, residents out (in the county) within a certain radius of the city get a benefit from our rating. There is a benefit they receive on their insurance. So, it’s important that the county participates in the purchase of this new truck. We need to get this done so we can maintain and improve our rating.”