With the price of natural gas soaring, heating with wood-burning furnaces may seem more attractive to some, and Ironton is looking for a way to profit from demand with a new ordinance.

The plan, sponsored by councilman Rich Blankenship, would create a permit process for removing firewood from the city’s compost site at Moulten Field on Lawrence Street.

For just $10, locals will be able to fill their truck with wood collected at the site.

Blankenship said he hopes that the discounted price of wood can be a help to residents looking to save some cash on heating.

“It’s going to give a cheap load of firewood to those who need it,” Blankenship said. “People need that … you can’t buy a load of firewood for under $50, I don’t think. I think it’s great if it helps people out.”

The ordinance would also help to fill the city’s dwindling coffers, although how much it would help is still unclear.

“It’ll generate a little bit of money for the general fund,” Blankenship said. “How would you judge how many people are going to use it? I don’t know. That’s something we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Those who decide to get a permit will first have to sign a waiver that will clear Ironton of any legal responsibility should they be injured while collecting wood. Other details, including when the program would be implemented and how much wood can be taken away are still unclear.

The ordinance will receive its second reading at the council’s meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 12.