NATCHEZ — Earlier this week Natchez Mayor Jake Middleton publicly invited all entrants in the Adams County sheriff’s race to advertise their candidacy with billboards — but the news came a bit too late for one hopeful vying for the sheriff’s spot.

Cheryl Freeman, wife of Adams County sheriff candidate Randy Freeman, said when she contacted the city planner’s office to inquire about the use of billboards in the race, she was told they were not permitted.

Freeman said she first made contact with the city planner’s office in April and was told that billboards could not be used within city limits as a means to advertise for political office.

Freeman said she was provided with a copy of the city’s sign ordinance, which dictates the size and days prior to an election that small yard signs can be used.

“We never got a billboard ordinance,” she said.

Believing that billboards were not permitted, Freeman was surprised when she began to see billboards for Cliff Cox, who is also in the sheriff’s race.

Freeman said she immediately called Natchez City Planner John “Rusty” Lewis.

“And he said we were correct, he said they were illegal,” she said.

Lewis declined to comment on the matter Friday, but previously stated his interpretation of the city’s billboard ordinance led him to believe that billboards should not be used to advertise for political office.

Since then, Middleton and City Attorney Everett Sanders have reviewed the billboard ordinance and said they believe it does not prohibit use of billboards for political office.

“In (Lewis’) opinion at that time, he gave her the correct answer,” Middleton said of Lewis’ conversation with Freeman. “But we have no problem with candidates using billboards.”

Middleton readily admitted that he used a billboard to advertise his candidacy when he ran for mayor.

Freeman said the confusion between the city offices is frustrating and believes it has put her husband at a disadvantage.

“They all need to get on the same page,” Freeman said.

Middleton said while he understands Freeman’s frustration, he does not believe Randy Freeman was put at a disadvantage.

“Anyone can go out and get a billboard,” he said.