NATCHEZ — A handful of City of Natchez officials sat behind engraved plaques bearing their elected titles for the final time Tuesday in the Natchez City Council Chambers.

Mayor Butch Brown, Interim Ward 2 Alderwoman Mary Lee Toles, Ward 4 Alderman Tony Fields, Ward 5 Alderman Mark Fortenbery, City Attorney Hyde Carby and City Clerk Donnie Holloway attended their final board of aldermen meeting, as their terms of office will end July 1.

While the board handled a few business items on the agenda, nearly all the reports at the meeting included a reflection on the current administration’s achievements and a farewell from the departing officials.

The aldermen remaining on the board thanked the outgoing officials for their service.

Fortenbery, who lost his bid for re-election to Benjamin Davis, said he appreciated the residents of Ward 5 allowing him to serve for eight years.

“I would really like to say to this board … good luck with all y’all do and to the incoming board (too),” he said. “To the department heads and employees, (who) go unnoticed, thank y’all for all the hard work y’all do.

“I wish the best for this community, and I hope we keep thriving forward.”

Fields, who was defeated in the Democratic primary for the mayor’s seat, individually thanked those who held the positions of aldermen, mayor, city clerk and city attorney during the eight years he served on the board, as well as city employees.

“I just want to end with a big thank-you,” Fields said. “Thank you to the citizens of Natchez for allowing me to serve for eight years. We got a lot accomplished. I’m very proud of it, and I am humbled by it.”

Toles has served the past six months as interim Ward 2 alderwoman, temporarily filling the seat left vacant when Ricky Gray was elected as an Adams County supervisor. Toles said her service as an alderwoman has given her a hands-on look at how city government operates. Toles said she has met with several residents and heard their concerns during her short time on the board.

“I think my sharing the rules of city government has aided in the residents feeling more informed and included,” she said. “I have enjoyed this experience … I indeed thank you in the city for giving me the opportunity to serve.”

The board officially accepted the resignation of Carby, who is stepping down after four years as city attorney.

“It’s been a wonderful opportunity in my career, and I appreciate you taking a chance on a young guy,” Carby said.

Holloway is retiring after 18 years as city clerk, as the city moves to an appointed clerk position.

“I served … with four different mayors and several aldermen, and I enjoyed working with every one of them,” Holloway said, adding that he does think the city needs consistency in the mayor’s office.

Brown closed the meeting with noting particular accomplishments of which he is proud, including the city’s recent partnership with the Clinton Health Matters Initiative and Humana.

Brown encouraged the incoming mayor and board to explore the idea of consolidation and expanding the city limits so the city could capture more sales tax dollars.

Brown thanked his administrative assistant Temple Hendricks as well as the board.

“Y’all put up with a lot from me … and we’ve done a lot of good work,” he said.

In other news from the meeting:

-The board committed to spending approximately $44,000 on a project to complete the lighting on the bluff. The Natchez-Adams County Community Alliance is providing $40,000 for the approximately $84,000 project.

-Brown offered a prayer for the victims and those affected by the mass shooting that killed 49 people at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla.

-The board presented plaques and an honorary proclamation thanking nine Natchez firefighters who put in 372 hours of work renovating Natchez Fire Station No. 2 on John R. Junkin Drive.

-Lynn DeLaughter and other Miss-Lou veterans presented an American flag flown at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery to the city to display in City Hall in commemoration of the Natchez Tricentennial.