NATCHEZ — The subject of dilapidated buildings is a constant sore spot for many Natchez residents. But one in particular was on resident Jim Sanders’ mind at Tuesday’s aldermen meeting.

It had been too long since the old First Baptist Church was addressed, Sanders said. The city said months ago it would contact the owners of the visibly deteriorating structure.

“I realize your plate is full,” Sanders said to the board Tuesday. “I realize it’s constantly overflowing. But if someone doesn’t follow up, it might fall into oblivion.”

He said he wanted to know how long the city would give the new owners — New Orleans-based Universal Missions, Inc. — to fix the building.

Fixing dilapidated buildings was important, “especially when it’s an eyesore this close to downtown Natchez and within eyeshot and earshot of St. Mary (Basilica),” Sanders said.

Mayor Phillip West said he would follow up on the situation.

The board was supposed to meet with a representative from the church group several months ago, but the representative came in after the meeting, West said.

“Hopefully, by the next board meeting, we will be able to see what the appropriate next step should be to move forward,” West said.

Universal Missions took ownership of the building on the corner of Rankin and Main streets in November 2005.

City officials have said the structure is not in compliance with city regulations, and the roof is falling in.

In other business:

4The board approved a joint resolution presented by attorney Walter Brown. The resolution, passed by the county board of supervisors recently, allows Natchez Water Works to expand to the site of the future private CCA prison near Cranfield.

The waterworks will serve sewer, and the Adams County Water Association will serve the prison’s water.

4Natchez Firefighter Darrell Carter, Firefighter David Hugg, Lt. Leonard Rice and Lt. Wayne Tullos received plaques in recognition of their bravery in saving a Natchez man from his burning house in October.