NATCHEZ — In an act of goodwill from three different entities, Arlington will be better protected from vandalism.

The Historic Natchez Foundation has seen the grace first of Billy Ray Farmer with Farmer Electrical Service, who is installing surveillance cameras.

“We’re installing a state of the art video surveillance security system,” Farmer said.

Working alongside Jeff McBride of J&M Digital Corporation, the two men were out at the house on John A. Quitman Boulevard Thursday morning.

“We’re in the early stages of trying to see what is the best way to do this, what’s the most practical thing to do,” Farmer said. “Once we do come up with that and get a game plan we’re going to pursue it.”

He said the system will be connected to the Internet.

“We can monitor this thing 24 hours a day,” Farmer said.

Mimi Miller, director of programs for the Historic Natchez Foundation, said Farmer approached her about the installation.

“Billy Ray Farmer has expressed concern to us about it before,” she said.

Farmer said he’s had his eye on Arlington for years.

“It’s just a shame to see what’s happened here,” he said. “I can see a big difference between now and a year ago.”

Miller said the owner of the property, Dr. Tom Vaughan, is in support of the camera installation.

“Dr. Vaughan is cooperating with the foundation’s attempts to preserve and protect the property,” Miller said.

Also pitching in is Ricky Edgin of Edgin Construction.

“I do a lot with the Historic Foundation,” Edgin said.

This time, he offered a tractor, bushhog and labor to cut the tall grass in front of the home.

“He volunteered, I didn’t even ask him,” Miller said. “It’s a big job.”

Miller said the foundation is working to make the building safer, while the city works to get the owner to fix it, now that it’s been ruled “demolition by neglect.”

“In the interim while the city tries to do this, the foundation is trying to take steps to stop any more vandalism and deterioration,” Miller said.

“The foundation appreciates the fact that these people are concerned enough about the preservation of this property that they’re willing to donate the expertise to help us preserve it.”