NATCHEZ — It’s now up to Adams County voters to decide whether or not they want a recreation complex.

The Adams County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to adopt a resolution to place a referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot that will essentially ask county residents if they’ll support a joint recreation effort between the city, county and school board.

Supervisor Mike Lazarus, who is on a city-county recreation committee, said he was proud of the supervisors’ action.

“Now we’ll have the opportunity to ask the people what they want,” Lazarus said. “People tell me all the time they want recreation. But I can’t talk to everyone. This gives us a chance to see what every voter in the county wants. I think it’s great.”

On Nov 3 voters will be asked: Do you favor the creation of a consolidated countywide recreation program to be funded by a bond and/or other financial device in an amount to be determined but not to exceed $5,450,000?

Lazarus said the $5.4 million figure is based on current estimates, but the project could cost less.

Board President Henry Watts said he was also pleased with the passage of the resolution.

On July 7, the board adopted an amended interlocal agreement that involves the county, the City of Natchez and the Natchez-Adams School District in the planning and development of the recreation complex.

“All of us on this board want some kind of recreation,” Watts said.

Attorney Walter Brown, who has been facilitating the adoption of the interlocal agreement and the referendum, said Wednesday’s resolution “puts recreation on a priority basis.”

And while the supervisors voted to put the matter on the ballot, the issue is not settled yet.

Brown said the addition to the ballot must now get approval from the local election commission and the U.S. Department of Justice to ensure the referendum does not violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Brown said he has no reason to believe the referendum would not receive approval from the necessary bodies.

While exactly how the complex will look and be funded are not yet determined, those plans are currently in the works, Lazarus said.

Natchez Mayor Jake Middleton said he was glad to learn the resolution passed.

“This is a giant step for this project,” Middleton said. “It’s huge.”