Natchez and Adams County needs a single, consolidated fire department.

We have that, at least in principle, though the financing of the organization is almost always under scrutiny.

The Natchez Fire Department has long covered calls outside of the city limits to help county volunteers in times of crisis.

A number of years ago, in exchange for formal coverage, the county began paying a fee to the city to offset some of the costs. That seemed fair then, and it seems fair now.

However, the formula has always seemed unfair to one side or the other — seemingly dependent upon which way the wind was blowing at the time.

Each time the fire protection agreement comes up for renewal, sabers rattle and mouths fly off. That is never productive or wise, but money concerns are powerful for elected officials.

After years of squabbling over the fire protection agreement, at least a few city and county leaders are talking about how to permanently combine the efforts for good.

That’s great news, and we encourage that dialog to continue, publicly.

In the end, regardless of which side of the Natchez city limits sign one lives, the need for professional fire protection is great.