To annex or not to annex, that’s a question even the great William Shakespeare couldn’t answer if he were in Natchez today.

It’s a question that has been bantered back and forth in meeting after meeting of the Natchez Board of Aldermen for years.

Late last month, the issue came up again as the City of Natchez dusted off a 2001 plan to annex some 12 square miles of land.

The plan calls for land along both the north and south corridors — U.S. 61 North and South — and along the north and south boundaries — Government Fleet Road area and Old Country Club Road area.

The plans are still preliminary, but estimates show that the move would keep approximately $300,000 in sales tax here in Natchez-Adams County rather than staying in Jackson, where the taxes currently go when sales taxes are collected in the county.

Much of what’s being considered for annexation is either commercial property or undeveloped industrial land. Still, approximately 850 residents would be pulled into the city if the plan were taken fully.

The City must answer many more questions before residents will sign off on the plans. For example, how will the City be able to provide adequate police and fire protection?

We realize that we’re early in the process, and we look forward to seeing how some of the costs incurred by the City on such a deal will be recouped.

Until then, the question remains unanswered: To annex or not to annex.