In an attempt to increase office space, the Adams County Board of Supervisors will buy a city-owned building on Market Street.

Considered surplus by the Natchez Board of Al-dermen, the old Natchez Waterworks Building is strategically located next to the Adams County Courthouse and other government buildings.

&uot;I’m tickled that it’s going to remain in the government

plex, and I’m tickled that the county wanted it and has decided to buy it,&uot; said Natchez Mayor F.L. &uot;Hank&uot; Smith. &uot;We obviously had a piece of property that was surplus that was not needed by the city.&uot;

To sell the building the Natchez Board of Alderman was required to first conduct three appraisals of the property. The aldermen then had to offer the average of the three appraisals as the selling price.

This came out to just over $281,600 – a suitable price for county officials.

&uot;We’re happy with it,&uot; said Supervisor Darryl Grennell.

The two-story building is 5,000 square feet. It also has a brand new roof and it is in &uot;good shape&uot; structurally, Grennell said.

County officials plan to pay for the building with funds they received when county-property on Liberty Road was acquired by the Mississippi Department of Transportation to extend the Natchez Trace, Grennell said.

They also budgeted $50,000 to renovate the building, Grennell said.

In addition to its central location, ownership of the building may also help Adams County reduce its monthly rent payments.

&uot;We’ve got departments now that we’re renting to the private sector,&uot; said Supervisor Lynwood Easterling.

For example, Adams County pays $1,600 a month to rent space for its district attorney’s office, Grennell said.

In addition to these savings, the county may also be able to earn money by leasing out space in the building, Grennell said.

The transaction of the building should be completed in October.

&uot;It’s just down to the paperwork now,&uot; Easterling said.