NATCHEZ &8212; The county computer system will soon get an upgrade.

In Thursday&8217;s special meeting, the county board of supervisors approved a loan that will fund the technology overhaul.

Chancery Clerk Tommy O&8217;Beirne said the supervisors sent out seven or eight letters requesting bids but only received one bid, a 4.33 percent interest rate over a six-year period.

The total loan amount from BancorpSouth Equipment Finance was $385,816, County Attorney Bob Latham said.

The board approved the deal, with the understanding that it was subject to review to make sure the company receiving the loan would not pay taxes on the payments they received.

After the meeting, Supervisors President Darryl Grennell said the county needed a new mainframe and some updates to obsolete desktop computers.

The board also approved renewal of the current interlocal agreement with the Natchez Fire Department, so the city fire department would assist in some county fires. The county will pay the city $42,242.31 each month through the agreement.

The supervisors also approved bids for companies to supply materials and services, such as gravel and bridge lumber and laying asphalt.

The board went into executive session to discuss potential litigation, personnel, industrial prospects and possible sale of land.

No action was taken, Grennell said after the meeting.

The board will not meet again until 9 a.m. Dec. 28.