NATCHEZ — The Natchez Mayor and Board of Aldermen appointed a new member to the Natchez Adams Recreation Commission during a regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday evening to fill former chairman.

Matilda Stephens, who works as Program Manager for Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi, said she is excited to take the job as one who has always been heavily involved in her community.

Stephens will replace Tate Hobdy who stepped down from the volunteer position in March after serving 10 years on the commission.

Stephens said she has her bachelor’s degree in recreation and a master’s degree in community health management, and she believes adding her strong knowledge and background would help her to move the development of recreational activities in Natchez and Adams County forward.

“I’m honored that the city appointed me,” Stephens said. “I’ve seen first hand what having strong recreation programs can do for kids. I’ve lived in Natchez the majority of my life, and I have been heavily involved in this community at different parts of my life. … I’m really looking forward to being a part of something that might make Natchez grow. … There’s an opportunity for the Recreation Commission to make a really big difference in our community.”

Stephens said she believes she could help the commission take hold of a few opportunities for growth, including funding from grants and recruitment of volunteers.

“In my job, I work with recreational departments to host events on a local level. … What I’ve noticed is there are a lot of people who want to offer not just recreational opportunities but events and other activities as well but don’t have an outlet to do that. The board has the opportunity to reach out to people to volunteer to provide things in this community that may not be provided now. … (The Recreation Commission) is not a non-profit, but I know that funding is out there. There are opportunities for funding future developments as long as they fall within the guidelines of the city, county and school boards.”

In other matters during Tuesday’s regularly scheduled meeting of the Natchez Mayor and Board of Aldermen, the board:

– Unanimously approved a baseline bid from W.E. Blain and Sons for the continuation of the North Natchez drainage project, a water easement system and retaining wall used to prevent flooding, for $2,124,656.25 and agreed to seek financing for $750,000 in residual payments on the project.

– Unanimously approved a 48-month financing arrangement with Concordia Bank & Trust at $550.56 per month for a work truck for the Public Works Department.

– Unanimously approved the adoption of a plan to seek projects every 3 to 5 years that would make the city more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Editor’s note: The above story incorrectly said to which position Matilda Stephens was appointed. Stephens was appointed as a recreation member. We regret the error and are happy to set the record straight.