NATCHEZ — Keeping in line with one part of his platform, Mayor Jake Middleton met with the city’s department heads Wednesday morning, which will become a monthly occurrence.

“We’re a team here and that’s how we operate, as a team,” Middleton said. “If you’re not a team player, you’re going to have a hard time working under my administration.”

He said the department heads really need to get together and have an open line of communication to figure out ways to be frugal.

“Each one of you department heads are smart, intelligent people. We’ve got to figure out how to conserve energy,” Middleton said.

Middleton applauded Police Chief Mike Mullins efforts to save gas by having his patrol officers shut of their engines and do foot patrol 10 minutes every hour.

For all those departments who have employees take home city vehicles, he asked that they only be used to go to and from work.

Middleton also encouraged communication among the department heads.

“If we’ll communicate between ourselves, you will resolve 50 percent of your problems,” he said.

Middleton discussed other plans too, such as appointing board members to each department.

In the past, board members have served as the same committee chairs for departments for an extended period of time.

Middleton said he served as committee chair for the recreation department for 13 of his 16 years as alderman.

He wants to rotate the chairs every two years.

“It’s the best way to do it and it’s the better way to understand city government,” he said.

Middleton also advised each department head to be watchful of their budget and to periodically review it throughout the year.

He also suggested that each person look at ways to save money in their budget in whichever way possible.

Overall, Middleton said he was looking forward to serving with all the department heads.

“I’m excited about this new administration,” he said. “I want the people of Natchez to look on this administration as the best one there’s ever been.”