VIDALIA, La. – An attorney for developer Craig Smith told Concordia Parish police jurors two low-income apartment complexes might be the best chance some residents near Ferriday have for improved sewer conditions.

But with opposition to the complex from residents — including a petition — jurors voted to deny a building permit for Smith’s proposed 40-unit Villa Apartments complex until the money to upgrade the sewer system is in the bank.

The jury has already approved a building permit for a 38-unit complex for the same street, Lincoln Road near Ferriday. That complex would be developed by the Macon Ridge Community Development Organization.

&uot;I voted for the other project, but this is the first time I’ve had a petition (on this project) and I’m going to give it my full consideration,&uot; said juror Rodney Smith.

Engineer Bryant Hammett, who is not working for either developer, examined the Villa Apartments complex and said it would add to sewage problems in the area, but those could be alleviated with a new small lift station.

Ferriday Mayor Glen McGlothin said both project developers had agreed to put up money to help pay for the cost of a lift station.

&uot;Mr. Smith said he is willing to put the money in escrow if (Macon Ridge President Buddy) Spillers would put up the money, too,&uot; McGlothin said.

The developers would together contribute $45,000 to the estimated $76,000 project, leaving about $31,000, which McGlothin said Ferriday does not have. But McGlothin said Spillers told him he would work to get the town the rest of the money.

&uot;Mr. Spillers, who has a permit, and Mr. Smith, who does not, are making a good faith effort&uot;&160;to help solve the sewage problem, Smith’s attorney David Guerry said.

&uot;If it is a $75,000 project, I don’t know where else you’re going to get private money to solve the problem,&uot; Guerry said. &uot;If you’re going to have any development in that area that provides jobs … you’re going to have to have a lift station.&uot;

Some residents at the meeting said they were against both apartment complexes, noting problems with public safety around the apartments might outweigh any sewage problems they now have.

Juror Gene Allen — who said he is opposed to the complexes anyway — asked jurors if it was fair to deny a building permit to Smith when the Macon Ridge permit was approved in July.

&uot;How can we in good faith deny one project when his (money) is not up either?&uot; Allen said.

But Ferrington, who suggested delaying the permit, said the jury may have been wrong to award the other permit anyway.

Allen was the only juror of nine to vote against denying the permit.

In other business, the jury:

4Approved emergency repairs to a compressor for an air-conditioning unit in the parish courthouse. Jurors do not know yet how much the repairs will cost.

4Revised the 2000 budget. &uot;Some revenue projections have come in a little better than expected,&uot; juror Randy Temple said. &uot;We (don’t) in any way have money in the balance to blow, but it paints a better picture.&uot;

4Agreed to set a public hearing to discuss millage for property taxes. Jury treasurer Robbie Shirley said this year’s assessment is lower than last year’s, which will cost the jury $10,000 unless the jury petitions to keep it at the current rate.

4Heard a report on zoning in the parish from parish planner Oliver Schulz.