NATCHEZ — The city’s to-go-cup ordinance will be ready in time for next month’s Great Mississippi River Balloon Race after receiving approval Tuesday from the board of aldermen, though two members abstained.

City Planner Rico Giani requested that the board approve “hastened enactment,” of the leisure and recreation district (LRD) for Oct. 20 — 24 days from the date of approval.

Giani said normally 30 days would be required before the ordinance could be enacted, but because of the high number of visitors expected for the balloon race, expediting the process made sense.

“I would recommend that we motion to approve to enact the ordinance on Oct. 20 so we would give businesses the opportunity to prepare for this very important weekend,” Giani said. “That would be the reason the board of aldermen would approve to enact this ordinance in a hastened manner.”

The balloon race is scheduled to begin Oct. 20 and last through Oct. 22.

Giani also requested the board approve a LRD fee of $100 per participating business that would cover costs of signage and similar costs.

The board approved both requests unanimously, though Ward 1 Alderwoman Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis and Ward 2 Alderman Billie Joe Frazier abstained. Neither alderperson provided reasoning for their abstention.

At first, Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell announced the motion would not carry because the vote had to be unanimous. Arceneaux-Mathis, however, clarified that the vote of an abstention goes with the majority, and therefore the vote should still pass.

City attorney Bob Latham said he believed Arceneaux-Mathis was correct.