NATCHEZ – Chandler Russ, CEO of Natchez Inc., made the case before the Adams County Board of Supervisors Friday morning for an increase in county funding for Natchez Inc.

Russ said Natchez Inc., which is funded primarily by the private group Natchez Now, the city of Natchez and Adams County, has had to rely on reserve budgets to meet its fiscal needs over the past two years.

Russ said Natchez Inc. has not received a funding increase from the county in 18 years. The economic development agency is demanding that the county increase annual grants from $165,000 to $225,000, which is equivalent to a quarterly option payment from Velocys.

“We are asking the county to reserve or transfer one of these quarterly payments for the next two years while we work on a more permanent solution,” he said.

The board has not yet made a decision on Natchez Inc.’s request today, but said it will consider it when preparing the county budget for fiscal year 2024-25.

The City of Natchez increased its grant to Natchez Inc. last year to $100,000 per year. Natchez Now pays $120,000 annually to Natchez Inc., which also applies for several grants throughout the year for various programs and marketing.

Russ said Natchez Inc. employs three people, including himself, and that the agency has cut spending to get closer to its budget.