NATCHEZ — Unrolling a large architectural drawing and an aerial photograph, Natchez Aldermen Dan Dillard presented his own idea for a recreation complex at Wednesday’s aldermen work session.

Dillard’s proposed complex would occupy land along Liberty Road between the Natchez Trace and Sergeant S. Prentiss Boulevard. It would incorporate the existing baseball diamond, Chester Willis Field.

Dillard unveiled his plan after briefly outlining cost cutting measures the city could implement that would bolster their recreation budget.

His plan includes multiple ball fields, a concession building and a swimming pool.

Dillard said he believed the plan would be well suited for the area since it incorporates land owned by the city, Adams County and the Natchez-Adams School District.

“I really think this can work,” Dillard said.

It would also include relocating the National Guard armory and possibly Pleasant Acre Day School.

While Dillard had few cost estimates on the project, he estimated the cloverleaf ball field would cost $250,000.

“It’s not perfect, we cannot afford perfect,” Dillard said. “But I can’t wait any longer.”

Natchez Mayor Jake Middleton voiced approval for the plan and said it is similar in nature to a plan currently under development by the recreation board composed of city and county leaders.

Dillard said he will formally submit the plans at the next aldermen meeting, the to the Natchez-Adams School Board then the Adams County Board of Supervisors.

“This is something we can do if we work together,” Dillard said.

In other news City Clerk Donny Holloway presented a revised copy of the city budget to the mayor and aldermen in attendance.

Aldermen James “Ricky” Gray, Mark Fortenbery and Bob Pollard were not in attendance.

Holloway said the revised budget does include new cuts designed to help the city save money, but had not reviewed the new cuts yet.

Holloway said he hopes to meet with the board and the city’s department heads next week to review the cuts and finalize the revised budget.

The aldermen also discussed floating a bond on behalf of the Armstrong Library that would finance a new air conditioning unit for the building.

Middleton said the current unit has been in the library since it opened.

Holloway said the current plan calls for the bond to be acquired by the city and paid on by the library.

While no official action was taken, Holloway said the current unit is inefficient and cost leaves the library with $7,000 a month in electricity bills during the summer.