NATCHEZ — The City of Natchez and Adams County have agreed to share a rescue boat, which officials say is a win-win for both entities.

Mayor Butch Brown said the city has for the last few months been looking to buy a new rescue boat for the Natchez Fire Department. The current boat, a 1970 model, is basically defunct, Brown said.

Natchez Fire Chief Oliver Stewart said the department had explored the possibilities of buying a new boat, which would cost approximately $78,000, or repairing and updating the existing boat. In the long run, Stewart said, buying a new motor, or motors, for the boat and outfitting it would have probably cost as much as buying a new boat.

Brown said to avoid an expensive purchase, he proposed to Adams County Sheriff Chuck Mayfield that the city and county share the county rescue boat that was donated during the last county administration.

“I told him that 99 percent of the time, we would both be involved in the same rescue anyway,” Brown said.

Brown said the city will clean, maintain and house the boat at fire station No. 2 on John R. Junkin Drive in exchange for the use of the boat when needed.

Mayfield said housing the boat at the fire station will be more convenient for the county. The boat was being housed, Mayfield said, across the river.

“It saves the city money, and it centrally locates the boat for us,” Mayfield said. “It’s a win-win.”

Brown said he is pleased that the city was able to avoid purchasing a new boat, while also working with the county to ensure the fire department’s needs are met.

“We’re just really grateful for the cooperation (the sheriff) has given to us,” Brown said.