As millions of Americans have seen recently, obtaining government spending cuts can be difficult, if not next to impossible.

Government, by its very nature, just seems to always want to gobble up more and more money.

On the national level, our nation’s government stands at the brink of a default due to bickering among our elected leaders over whether or not to raise the debt ceiling and how many cuts will be required to parlay the political votes necessary to get moving in the right direction.

It may have been equally difficult last year for Natchez city leaders to hammer out plans to save money for the city. But it appears — at least at first glance — their hard work has paid off.

Congratulations to the mayor, board of aldermen and city clerk for the good news that came out on Tuesday.

The City of Natchez apparently spent $2 million less in the most recent fiscal year than it had spent in prior year. Although we’re still trying to understand exactly where the savings occurred, for the moment, let’s celebrate the previously believed unthinkable — a government capable of shrinking itself.

After lots of teeth gnashing and public floggings last year over the city’s practice of having to borrow money to make it through the fiscal year, perhaps the latest news is a signal of a new approach to the city’s spending. If so, it’s an approach that we appreciate and applaud.