NATCHEZ — Natchez Regional Medical Center formally confirmed Friday afternoon the potential buyer the county-owned hospital has entered into a letter of intent with is Community Health Systems, owner of Natchez Community Hospital.

The letter of intent is a non-binding agreement between parties acknowledging negotiations to finalize a sale process.

The news release from the hospital did not give the details of the letter of intent, but said once a final sale resolution is negotiated it will be published.

At that time, Adams County residents can file a petition to take the approval of the sale to a voter referendum. If the matter does not go to referendum, the sale — which will include an auction in which other buyers can bid against CHS’s negotiated selling price — can move forward.