Lots of buzz is blowing up the bluffs again about a second, and perhaps even a third, casino development coming to Natchez.

And with the buzz on the bluffs comes dreams of great fortunes flowing into the city and county coffers.

Before we start cooking up ways to spend the green beans reaped from the magic casino beanstalks, we’d be wise to think carefully about how best to invest those dollars.

Too often elected officials are quick to spend money on large, publicly visible projects.

And, while sometimes those projects are good ones, taxpayers need input and involvement in the process.

Elected officials would be wise to seek input, publicly, in advance, of any decisions on how to spend any tax revenue gained.

Taxpayers, it’s your money and you should have an opportunity to say how it will be spent.

Perhaps all of the funds should be funneled into recreational endeavors. Imagine what a shot in the arm that would be for the area’s quality of life.

Or, perhaps, we should pay some of it toward reducing the city and county’s debt?

Even still, perhaps, we should consider a “rainy day” fund from which we draw in case of economic turbulence ahead.

The possibilities are endless, but the choice should include the public’s input. And we’d all be wise to discuss and consider not only our immediate needs — the instant gratification, if you will — but also the long-term needs, too.