It’s official — Adams County is looking to sell some bulldozers close to home.

After numerous meetings and heated discussion, the Adams County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to allow Durham Auctions, Inc., to hold an auction in Natchez to sell county road equipment.

Thursday’s meeting was the tail end of a weeks-long debate as to whether to auction off the equipment, sign on for buy-backs or keep some pieces of equipment.

Bonnette Auction Company presented a proposal to auction off the equipment in Natchez and guarantee the county more money, countering Durham’s proposal to auction the equipment outside Hattiesburg.

Auctions were held in the city several years ago, and the sales tax from such an auction would benefit the city, Supervisor S.E. “Spanky” Felter, who sought out the proposal, said.

“I really think it’s a good idea that we have it here again,” Felter said.

Supervisor Sammy Cauthen said he thought Durham, which the county has used in years past, had a better reputation for selling heavy equipment and could get more bidders and more money for it outside Hattiesburg.

Supervisor Henry Watts moved the board accept Bonnette’s proposal and hold the auction in Natchez. The motion failed 3-2, with Watts and Felter voting for the motion.

Supervisor Thomas “Boo” Campbell then motioned the auction be held in Adams County with the board setting minimum prices. The motion passed unanimously.

Bonnette Auction owner Barbara Bonnette, who was not able to attend the meeting, said she felt she had been cheated.

“Something’s not right when I guarantee them $35,000 more (in bids),” Bonnette said.

Bonnette said she was plenty qualified, having been in business for 20 years and winning the title of International Auctioneer Champion last year.

“Am I mad because I didn’t get the contract?” she said. “No. We’ve got other business. I’m just floored as to how it took place. But thanks to me, it’s going to be done in Natchez, and Natchez will get the tax money.”

And it was more than just bids, she said. That kind of auction with that kind of equipment could bring 500 to 1,000 bidders to town, who would spend money on food and lodging in the area.

Also at the meeting, with a vote of 3-2, a motion of non-support for the recently passed state House bill failed, with Watts and Felter voting for the motion.

The bill allows for Natchez Water Works to extend sewer service to a potential correctional facility looking at locating in the county on U.S. 84. The bill still has to pass through the state Senate.

City officials have recently said the corrections company will pay for the infrastructure and the services. They also said the service was a way of enticing industry.

Supervisors President Darryl Grennell said he voted against the motion of non-support.

“(The bill) will allow Natchez Waterworks to provide sewage for CCA,” Grennell said. “If it doesn’t pass the legislation, it will negatively affect the prison coming to the county.”

Grennell also said that the sewage service was part of the announcement that the county is required to publish.

“If it doesn’t pass, we have to start the publishing process all over again,” Grennell said.

Watts, who made the motion, said he objected to the city placing sewer or water lines anywhere in the county.

“This is an attempt by the city of Natchez to open an avenue for annexation,” Watts said.

“This has nothing to do with economic development. This is all about annexation.”