In the Sept. 15 issue of The Natchez Democrat, I read with interest the article on the progress of the Master Plan developed by FOR Natchez. It is my understanding that For Natchez, after receiving $50,000 from the city, is planning to hire Phil Walker of Nashville as the interim director to guide local officials and community leaders in the selection of a permanent downtown director.

According to the article, Walker would work 16 hours a week, mostly remote, and come to Natchez at least once a month for a six-month period.

I inquired about the fees of Mr. Walker. This is what I learned: His discounted fee of $85 an hour for 16 hours a week amounts to $5,400 a month plus travel expenses estimated at $1,100 a month or a total of $6,500 per month, or approximately $40,000 for six months.

We do need a downtown director but not an interim for $40,000. How can Natchez move forward when the bulk of the $50,000 will have been spent on an interim director?

The newspaper article also states: “His primary objective is to establish a Downtown Natchez Association — a driving force behind the Downtown Master Plan. To accomplish this, he would assist local stakeholders in identifying the type of people needed to serve on the new board, establish bylaws and create job descriptions for board members and committee chairs and find sustainable funding and office space.”

Our community leaders are very capable of working together to hire a permanent downtown director with a job description created by a board responsible for bylaws, funding and office space.

The Master Plan For Natchez was developed by Walker at a cost of $100,000. It was adopted by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen in May 2018. It is past time to implement the plan.

Implementation is contingent on local leaders who have a stake in the future of Natchez. It is not only logical but also cost effective to hire a permanent downtown director who is familiar with Natchez and its needs.

 

Mac Hazlip,

Natchez resident