Where did the last year go? It seems like just yesterday that candidates for the Natchez mayor’s post and city aldermen positions were duking it out on the campaign trail.

But despite what feels like a short period of time, more than a year has passed since the new city administration has taken office.

Clearly much work is under way around the city, and there’s a renewed sense of unity on the board — at least publicly.

Unfortunately, prior to last July city meetings had begun to look more like Jerry Springer TV episodes than democracy in action. The efforts toward public civility among board members are much improved.

Although the first year of the new city administration has accomplished a number of key items, perhaps the most important remains a work in process — getting a better handle on the city’s finances.

Last year the city opted to hire two accountants to supplement the city clerk’s staff. The purpose was to begin to sort out years of problems and move the city onto a new accounting system.

The goal is ultimately to not only clean up the fiscal books, but also to provide transparency to citizens about the city’s stewardship of taxpayer money.

We hope that in the coming months the accounting groundwork laid in the last 12 months will reap good things for all citizens for years and years to come.