Discussion at this week’s Natchez Board of Aldermen meeting makes it clear the aldermen need to do exactly as Alderman Sarah Carter Smith suggested: Hold a special meeting dedicated to discussing the city’s budget for the coming year.

Several suggestions from aldermen during the board’s recent meeting point to a need for discussion on how the city’s revenues are allocated.

Alderman Dan Dillard suggested the city should set aside 1 mill from the city’s tax millage dedicated to the general fund to pay for upkeep of city property. One mill is valued at approximately $100,000.

Dillard pointed out the city is one of the largest property owners in Natchez. Yet, it has set no money aside for upkeep of city property.

“It’s very hard for the city to make the argument to other property owners that they are not keeping up their properties when we are not keeping up ours,” Dillard said.

In a city whose very lifeblood is its appearance, Dillard’s suggestion seems like a wise one.

In fact, setting aside money for maintenance of city property seems to be a no-brainer. The city is behind in this area of its obligations. As Dillard pointed out, it has some catching up to do.

Alderman Tony Fields said he would like to see the city use funds to install restrooms and water fountains at Jack Waite Park on McCabe Street in Natchez.

At Smith’s suggestion, the city set its special meeting to discuss the upcoming budget for 4 p.m. Monday in the conference room at City Hall.

The special meeting to discuss the city’s budget is open to the public.

The city’s current budget year ends Sept. 30. Time is running out to make decisions about how to allocate the city’s revenue in the coming fiscal year.