Local residents were not eager Thursday to endorse a tax increase proposal from the Adams County Board of&160;Supervisors.

&uot;I don’t think its fair,&uot; said Stanley Crawford, a Natchez resident.

With problems at International Paper’s Natchez mill — which is up for sale — and Titan Tire — in the midst of a two-year strike by the local union — Crawford said he thinks the time is not right for a tax increase. &uot;I just don’t feel there should be any more taxes on the citizens of the Natchez area,&uot; he said.

Wednesday, supervisors approved a proposal for a 1.95 millage increase. The increase is roughly equal to about $19 more on a $100,000 house.

City residents may get an extra does of higher taxes this year if the Natchez Board of Aldermen finalizes a proposal for a 7.428 millage increase. This equal about a $70 increase on a $100,000 house.

Both boards have set public hearings to discuss the tax increases.

Natchez resident George Rouse said the city and county boards need to cut some more corners to avoid a tax increase.

&uot;We don’t need an increase in the city or the county,&uot; Rouse said. &uot;I’m against anything they’re trying to do.&uot;

Adams County resident Ruth Hunt said she also wonders if raising taxes is a wise decision. &uot;It’s for a good cause, but right now the money’s just not there,&uot; she said.

County resident Erma Johnson had similar concerns. &uot;I don’t really think it’s necessary,&uot; she said.

Adams County residents Daniel and Jo Lynn Lindsey said their taxes went up $165 last year because their property was reappraised.

&uot;(The tax increase is) just more money they’re taking away from us,&uot; said Jo Lynn Lindsey, adding she thinks the county board should find a way to avoid the increase.

Daniel Lindsey said he thinks the amount requested is fair, and he doubts taxpayers have much choice in the matter. Lindsey also said he thinks $19 more on a $100,000 house is not out of line. But, he said, &uot;I’d like for them show me that they need it.&uot;