NATCHEZ &045; While a joint city-county recreation board cools its heels and awaits funding, Natchez aldermen want to make sure the city recreation committee continues to meet.

Alderman Theodore &uot;Bubber&uot; West expressed concern Tuesday that the city committee needs to meet to discuss recreation issues.

The city’s own recreation committee is a five-person board appointed by aldermen.

The joint recreation commission is made up of nine members &045; three appointed by the city, three from the county and three from the school board.

The joint commission is seeking a year’s worth of operating funds to help put in place a county-wide recreation plan and launch a campaign for voters’ support for a referendum to pay for the new facilities.

&uot;My thinking is we still need our board functioning,&uot; West said. &uot;It might be two or three years down the road (before a recreation plan can be implemented).&uot;

Other aldermen said they also want to see the city’s committee continue to meet.

Mayor F.L. &uot;Hank&uot; Smith pointed out that the board has not been dissolved, although no meetings have been held in recent months.

&uot;What you’re going to have to do is figure out who wants to serve,&uot; Alderman Jake Middleton said.

Natchez Recreation Director Ralph Tedder said he wants the city committee to meet, although he wants to enforce the attendance requirement for members.

The joint recreation commission is looking at plans for major additions and renovations to recreation facilities in the county.

Tedder also told aldermen the city will not be hosting the state doubles tennis championship next year, in part because the city does not have enough courts for the event.

A super senior tournament will be held in its place, Tedder said.

&uot;There are probably three different tournaments that would come here if we had the facilities,&uot; Tedder said.