NATCHEZ — Two Adams County officials have decided not to run for re-election this year.

Adams County Tax Collector Peter Burns and Adams County Tax Assessor Reynolds Atkins recently announced this year will be their last year before handing over the reins to their respective offices.

“There are so many factors that are to be considered when making a decision like this,” Burns said. “I had spoken with my family a good bit and prayed about it.”

“Now is the time for me to finish out my term and allow someone else to take over the office,” Burns said.

Burns said his health also played a role in his decision. Burns has been out of his office several weeks after recuperating from heart surgery.

Burns said he wanted to announce his decision not to run now to give others enough time to consider running for tax collector before the qualifying period ends on March 1.

Rose Daniel Patterson and Samuel Thomas have already qualified to run for tax collector.

Elected in 2006, Burns said he is proud of what he has accomplished in his three terms as tax collector.

“As I promised voters, we are now taking debit and credit cards online and at the window,” Burns said.

Burns said he is thankful to the people of Adams County for electing him for three terms.

Adams County Tax Assessor Reynolds Atkins said he has also decided not to run for re-election.

Elected in 1996, Atkins has spent six-terms serving Adams County residents as tax assessor.

Atkins said he has spent enough years working for the state to get full retirement and now is the time to retire.

“I am also 84 years old,” Atkins said. “There comes a time when you have to go home. It’s about time.”

Candidates who have announced they are running tax assessor are Atkin’s grandson Douglas Atkins, Larry L. Hughes and Michael Pace.

The deadline to qualify for county elections is 5 p.m. March 1 in the Adams County Circuit Clerk’s office.