NATCHEZ — Peter Burns defeated Rose Daniel Johnson for the office of tax collector in one of the closest runoff elections Tuesday.

Burns won 4,273 votes, or 54.68 percent of the vote.

Johnson, won 3,541 votes, or 45.31 percent.

“We’re excited,” Burns said. “It’s been a busy, hot hard summer. But it’s been a great experience.”

When Burns takes office in January he will begin working to implement an online taxpaying service.

Burns, who currently works as an appraiser in the tax assessor’s office, said he could and has learned a lot from current tax collector Vernona Sanders, who did not run for re-election.

“She’s been tax collector for a long time, and I work closely with her already,” Burns said. “She will be a great mentor to me.”

Burns said he was pleased the race was clean. He also learned a lot along the way, he said.

“I already knew the people of Adams County were wonderful,” he said. “But they confirmed that. Everyone was kind to us whether they planned to vote for me or not.”

Burns said he wanted to thank everyone who helped with his campaign and the voters who elected him.

“I look forward to serving them efficiently and courteously,” Burns said.

Johnson could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.