NATCHEZ — The Vidalia Board of Alderman adopted an ordinance Tuesday night to borrow $6.94 million to fund construction of a new municipal complex.

Pending approval from the Louisiana Bond Commission, the city will be able to take out the loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which will be paid out in 40 years.

Mayor Hyram Copeland, who did not attend Tuesday’s meeting, has said he hopes construction on the complex will begin in late October.

A public hearing was held at Tuesday’s meeting to address the bond issue, but no one at the meeting addressed the aldermen.

In other news:

-The city passed a motion to prefile an ordinance to include approximately 30 acres of property near Walmart in the city’s corporate limits. Approximately 10 of the acres will be used for proposed plans for a 50-unit apartment complex.

The property, which is owned by a group of private investors, is partially contained in the city limits. The new ordinance includes the entire property within city limits.

The proposed complex will be located on U.S. 84 across from Walmart.

– The board issued occupational licenses to Natwest Fuels, LLC; Rayn W. Paul Construction; and Pristine Paws.

– The board approved a sign application for Weeks Furniture.

– The board approved the fire department’s request to hire Edwin Drew Beach.